NOVEMBER 13, 2009

160 people expected to participate in naturalization ceremonies

Representatives of Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land will offer new citizens the opportunity to register to vote during two naturalization ceremonies in Grand Rapids.

The ceremonies are Tuesday, Nov. 17 at 1:30 p.m. and Wednesday, Nov. 18 at 10 a.m. Both ceremonies are at the Gerald R. Ford Museum, 303 Pearl St. N.W. Approximately 80 people are expected to participate in each ceremony.

"Our country's newest citizens have worked hard to achieve this goal," Land said. "Now I encourage them to register to vote so that their voices may be heard on Election Day. Voting is the foundation of our democracy and a way for citizens to be connected to their community."

Land, who also serves as Michigan's chief election officer, will have a voter registration table on site for the convenience of the newly sworn citizens. Land also promotes voter registration by sending the Mobile Branch Office to colleges and universities. People may also register to vote at their local clerk's office, a Secretary of State office or by mail.

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Bureau, part of the Department of Homeland Security, is conducting the ceremonies.