MAY 13, 2009

Approximately 160 new residents to be sworn in

Representatives of Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land will assist new citizens with voter registration during naturalization ceremonies in Grand Rapids.

The ceremonies are Tuesday, May 19 at 1:30 p.m., and Wednesday, May 20 at 10 a.m. at the Gerald R. Ford Museum, 303 Pearl St. N.W. Approximately 80 people are expected to participate in each ceremony.

"Taking a few minutes to register to vote means you will have the opportunity to make your voice heard by participating in democracy," Land said. "I encourage all citizens who are not yet registered to do so."

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.