FEBRUARY 19, 2008

Representatives of Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land will be on hand to encourage voter registration by America's newest citizens during a naturalization ceremony in Hamtramck on Friday, Feb. 22.

Land's office is one of several agencies welcoming the latest members of the American family as they take their citizenship oaths. The ceremony is at 10 a.m. Friday at the Polish National Alliance, 10211 Conant.

"This is a special moment in the lives of our new countrymen and we're proud to be a part of it," Land said. "They have worked hard to become Americans. But we want them to know that their responsibilities don't stop here. Democracy depends on an informed and engaged citizenry. I encourage them to make their voices heard by exercising their right to vote."

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.

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