Someone is doing it wrong. Either the data has been misrepresented in the poll, or the people being polled don't really understand what an atheist is.

If someone believes in God, then they're not an atheist, whether they call themselves one or not. Simple as that.

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"Religion is considered by the common people as true, by the wise as false, and by rulers as useful." -- Lucius Annaeus Seneca (Seneca the Younger)

FreeWare's Law: As an online discussion with theists grows longer, the probability of starting a discussion of Einstein's religious views approaches 1.

I dare you to challenge my Brute!