JANUARY 15, 2009

Voter registration offered to new citizens

Naturalization ceremonies planned for Grand Rapids

Representatives of Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land will offer new citizens the opportunity to register to vote during three naturalization ceremonies in Grand Rapids.

The ceremonies are Wednesday, Jan. 21 at 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., and Thursday, Jan. 22 at 10 a.m. All ceremonies are at the Gerald R. Ford Museum, 303 Pearl St. N.W. Approximately 80 people are expected to participate in each ceremony.

"I'm proud to offer American's newest citizens the opportunity to register to vote," Land said. "Michigan residents will have opportunities to cast ballots in local elections this year, and I encourage everyone to register and then vote."

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 ceremonies.