Some residents of the Colquitt, Thomas and Tift counties in southwest Georgia who haven’t yet sent back their 2004 Census Test questionnaire will receive another questionnaire in the next few days.

     “We are mailing a replacement questionnaire to some households that did not respond earlier,” said James Holmes, the Census Bureau’s Atlanta regional director. “We understand that the first form may have been overlooked or misplaced. It is important that each household respond only once. If you mailed back your completed questionnaire, we thank you.”

     The 2004 Census Test is one of a series of activities the U.S. Census Bureau conducts in preparation for the 2010 Census. The Census Bureau tests and evaluates new methods and procedures before the census is taken every 10 years.

     “Information supplied by residents is confidential,” Holmes said. “All census employees take an oath not to disclose the information they collect. They may be fined or sent to jail if they break that oath.”

     Census tests are critical to ensure a more cost-effective and accurate 2010 Census. For the Census Bureau to do a better job in the next census, it needs to find out beforehand what works best in communities like southwest Georgia.

     For more information about the 2004 Census Test in southwest Georgia, residents may call (229) 228-3800.

(Editor’s note: For digital photos to illustrate this release, go to:
http://www.census.gov/pubinfo/www/photos/2004testphotos/2004testphotos.html.)

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