OCTOBER 18, 2011

Naturalization ceremonies to be held in Grand Rapids

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. Secretary of State Ruth Johnson will offer new citizens the opportunity to register to vote after three naturalization ceremonies in Grand Rapids on Oct. 19-20.

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

"This is an exciting day for our newest citizens," Johnson said. "I'm pleased to offer them this opportunity to register to vote."

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).

###

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