OCTOBER 15, 2009

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 Tuesday, Oct. 20 at 1:30 p.m., and Wednesday, Oct. 21 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 ceremony.

"I congratulate our newest citizens for reaching their goal," Land said. "Now I encourage them to register to vote so that their voices may be heard on Election Day. Our democracy needs an engaged citizenry and voting is one way to get involved."

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.