The NYS Complete Count Commission has announced details and procedures for members of the public wishing to testify at census public hearings across the state,  starting March 4 in Rochester.

The Complete Count Commission is tasked with building upon the sweeping efforts already underway to prepare for next year’s federal Census. With these meetings, the Commission is undertaking a multi-year, collaborative strategy involving all state agencies, local and county governments, non-profits and local stakeholders across the state.

The hearings, which are open to the public and media, provide the Commission the opportunity to gain public input and hear from Census experts and advocates.

Public testimony will be heard during the latter part of each hearing on a first-come, first-serve basis. Each public speaker’s comments will be limited to three (3) minutes. As a convenience, the Commission is permitting individuals wishing to testify to pre-register for a single three-minute speaking slot.

Members of the public may pre-register online at the NYS Census 2020 page.

The pre-registration period for each event ends at 5 p.m. the day before the event. Depending on the number of pre-registration slots taken, additional three-minute speaking slots may be available day-of on a first-come, first-serve basis. Written testimony may be submitted to Commissioners or staff at the events or emailed to hearing@labor.ny.gov.

In addition to the six already-scheduled hearings, the Commission is holding a hearing on May 1 at Queens Borough Hall:

Wednesday, May 1, 6 p.m.

Queens Borough Hall

120-55 Queens Blvd

Kew Gardens, NY 11424

For more information about the Complete Count Commission and New York’s efforts to ensure a full count in 2020, please visit https://www.ny.gov/programs/2020-census.