APRIL 16, 2009

Naturalization ceremonies set for April 21-22

Representatives of Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land will offer new citizens the opportunity to register to vote during naturalization ceremonies in Grand Rapids.

The ceremonies are Tuesday, April 21 at 1:30 p.m. and Wednesday, April 22 at 10 a.m. Both are at the Gerald R. Ford Museum, 303 Pearl St. N.W. Up to 80 new Americans are expected to take their citizenship oaths at each ceremony.

"We're proud to be a part of this special moment in the lives of our new countrymen," Land said. "Now I encourage them to take the next step and register to vote. It gives them the opportunity to make their voices 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. Land also promotes voter registration by sending the Mobile Branch Office to colleges and universities. People may also register to vote at their local clerk's office, a Secretary of State office or by mail.

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