JUNE 6, 2007

As an expected 1,000 new U.S. citizens take the Oath of Allegiance on June 20 at Detroit's Cobo Center, Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land's staff will help them register to vote so their voices can be heard in local and national elections.

The naturalization ceremony is organized by the International Institute of Metropolitan Detroit Inc. and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, which is the former federal Immigration and Naturalization Service. The event is planned for 10 a.m., Wednesday, June 20, and is expected to draw 2,000 total people.

"I commend the effort and dedication these new U.S. citizens have shown to be able to take the Oath of Allegiance," Land said. "Our democracy depends on an engaged electorate, and I encourage them to be active in their communities and make their voices heard each election day."

Besides having staff attend naturalization ceremonies, Land has sent the Mobile Branch Office to every Michigan public university plus other colleges to register young people to vote. People also may register at their local clerk's office, at a Secretary of State branch office or by mail.

For additional information about upcoming elections, or Secretary of State programs and services, visit the department's Web site, www.Michigan.gov/sos.

Related Link
>  Michigan Voter Information Center