SEPTEMBER 12, 2007

Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land's office will be on hand to provide new U.S. citizens with voter registration opportunities at a naturalization ceremony Friday, Sept. 14 in Troy.

Land's office is one of several agencies welcoming the latest members of the American family as they take their citizenship oaths. The event is at 6:30 p.m. in Boulan Park, 3671 Crooks Road. It is in conjunction with the 2007 Troy Daze Festival.

"This is a special moment in the lives of our new countrymen and I'm proud to be a part of it," Land said. "They have worked hard to become Americans and we welcome them. But I want them to know that their responsibilities don't stop here. Democracy depends on an informed and engaged citizenry. I encourage them to take advantage of this convenient opportunity and register to vote."

Land, who also serves as Michigan's chief election officer, will have a voter registration table on site.

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