Secretary of State's Office helps

new residents register to vote

1,250 new citizens expected to be sworn in

Representatives of Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land will be on hand to assist new U.S. citizens with voter registration during a naturalization ceremony in Detroit on Friday, July 18.

The ceremony begins at 10 a.m. and is expected to include 1,250 participants. The event takes place at Cobo Center, One Washington Blvd.

 "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.