JUNE 26, 2009

Up to 200 new residents to be sworn in

Representatives of Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land will help new citizens register to vote during a naturalization ceremony in Detroit on Thursday, July 2.

The ceremony, which also celebrates Independence Day, is at 10 a.m. at Historic Fort Wayne, 6325 Jefferson. Up to 200 new Americans are expected to take their citizenship oaths.

"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 ceremony.