JUNE 11, 2009

Approximately 160 new residents to be sworn in

Representatives of Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land will assist new citizens with voter registration during naturalization ceremonies in Grand Rapids.

The ceremonies are Tuesday, June 16 at 1:30 p.m. and Wednesday, June 17 at 10 a.m. at the Gerald R. Ford Museum, 303 Pearl St. N.W. Approximately 80 people are expected to participate in each event.

"We're proud to be a part of this special moment for our new countrymen," Land said. "Because an informed and engaged citizenry is an important part of the democratic process, I encourage everyone who has not yet registered to vote to do so."

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.