SEPTEMBER 16, 2008

Representatives of Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land will be on hand to offer voter registration to new U.S. citizens during naturalization ceremonies in Grand Rapids on Tuesday, Sept. 23 and Wednesday, Sept. 24.

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. Approximately 80 new Americans will take their citizenship oaths at each ceremony.

"This is a special moment for our new countrymen," Land said. "Now they can take part in the democratic process. I'm pleased to offer opportunities for all residents to register to vote so that they may cast ballots in upcoming elections, including November's presidential election."

Land, who also serves as Michigan's chief election officer, will have a voter registration table at each naturalization ceremony. People may also register at their local clerk's office, a Secretary of State branch office or by mail.

The naturalization ceremonies will be conducted by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Bureau, part of the Department of Homeland Security.