SEPTEMBER 15, 2011

New citizens being sworn in at Ford Museum in Grand Rapids

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - Secretary of State Ruth Johnson will offer new citizens the opportunity to register to vote after two naturalization ceremonies in Grand Rapids on Sept. 21.

The ceremonies will be held at 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. at the Gerald R. Ford Museum, 303 Pearl St. N.W. About 80 participants are expected at each ceremony.

"Our newest citizens can now take the next step toward casting a ballot on Election Day," Johnson said. "I'm pleased to offer this opportunity to register as a voting citizen."

As Michigan's chief election officer, Johnson will have a voter registration table on site for the convenience of the newly sworn citizens. People also may register to vote at their local clerk's office, a Secretary of State branch office or by mail.

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Bureau, part of the Department of Homeland Security, is conducting the ceremonies.

For information about branch office locations and additional services, visit the Secretary of State website (www.Michigan.gov/sos) and sign up for official Secretary of State Twitter feeds (www.twitter.com/Michsos) and Facebook updates (www.facebook.com/Michigansos).

Customers also may call the Department of State Information Center to speak to a customer-service representative at 888-SOS-MICH (767-6424).

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For media questions, please call Gisgie Dávila Gendreau at (517) 373-2520.