JUNE 16, 2008
Representatives of Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land will be on hand to assist new U.S. citizens with voter registration during a naturalization ceremony in Detroit on Friday, June 20.
Approximately 600 new Americans will take their citizenship oaths at 10 a.m. at the Cobo Center.
"This is an exciting moment for our new citizens," Land said. "They worked hard to get to this point and I congratulate them for making their dreams come true. One important benefit of naturalization is the opportunity to vote, and I encourage all new citizens to register. Remember that your vote is your voice. Use that vote to speak up and make your voice heard."
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. People may also register 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 ceremony.