Attorneys for the NAACP and Prince George’s County say the federal government hasn’t done enough to make sure African-Americans and Latinos are counted accurately in the 2020 census.
Citing what they say is the “imminent threat” of an undercount by the U.S. Census Bureau, attorneys have filed suit in federal court. The NAACP, its Prince George’s branch, Prince George’s County and two county residents are parties in the suit.
Charlotte Schwartz, an attorney working on the suit on behalf of the NAACP, said the federal government’s preparations for the upcoming census have been “extraordinarily deficient.” The concern, according to Brad Berry, general counsel for the NAACP, is that there could be an undercount.
Data from the U.S. Census is used to determine how many seats states have in the U.S. House of Representatives. Census information also has an impact on how federal funds are funneled to localities.
“We are seeking injunctive relief requiring the government to take the steps necessary to conduct a fair and accurate census,” Berry told reporters at Wednesday’s news conference at the National Press Club.
Prince George’s County Executive Rushern Baker said an undercount could disproportionately affect residents in the county he serves because the majority of residents are African-American.
“We’re always worried about federal funds and whether in fact, in this great democracy of ours, our voices will be heard. There is nothing more important than making sure the census gets it right,” he said.
In the 2010 census, Prince George’s County saw an undercount of 2.3 percent. Baker said, “It’s ironic because Prince George’s County is where the home of the Census Bureau is.”
Click here to read the rest of the article written by Kate Ryan over at WTOP