Three naturalization ceremonies held over two days

Representatives of Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land will be on hand to assist new U.S. citizens with voter registration during three naturalization ceremonies in Grand Rapids on Tuesday, July 15 and Wednesday, July 16.

The ceremonies are at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday and 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Gerald R. Ford Museum, 303 Pearl St. NW, Grand Rapids. Approximately 80 new Americans will take their citizenship oaths at each ceremony.

"Our newest citizens have worked hard to get to this point," Land said.  "I congratulate them for making their dreams come true.  Now I encourage all citizens to register to vote. If you register by Oct. 6, you will be eligible to cast ballots in the November presidential election. By registering now, our newest citizens have an opportunity to make their voices heard on a national level right away."

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. People may also register at their local clerk's office, a Secretary of State branch office or by mail.

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