If you live in the Astoria, Corona, Elmhurst, East Elmhurst, Jackson Heights, Long Island City or Woodside neighborhoods of Queens and you haven’t yet sent back your 2004 Census Test questionnaire, it’s not too late. Households that have not responded will receive another questionnaire in the next few days.

     “We understand that the first form may have been overlooked or misplaced,” said Tony Farthing, the Census Bureau’s New York regional director. “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,” Farthing 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 northwest Queens.

     For more information about the 2004 Census Test in northwest Queens, residents may call
(877) 648-9821.

(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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