MAY 15, 2009

Approximately 150 new residents to be sworn in

Representatives of Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land will assist new citizens with voter registration during a naturalization ceremony in Detroit.

The ceremony is Friday, May 22 at 10 a.m. at the Detroit Public Library, 5201 Woodward Ave. Approximately 150 people are expected to participate.

"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 ceremony.