FEBRUARY 13, 2009

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

The ceremonies are Tuesday, Feb. 17 at 1:30 p.m. and Wednesday, Feb. 18 at 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. All ceremonies are at the Gerald R. Ford Museum, 303 Pearl St. N.W. Approximately 80 people are expected to participate in each event.

"I'm pleased to offer these new citizens the opportunity to register to vote," Land said. "I often say your vote is your voice, because voting is the foundation of democracy in America. It's important that all voices be heard on Election Day."

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.