SEPTEMBER 11, 2009

Approximately 1,000 new Americans to be sworn in

Representatives of Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land will offer new citizens the opportunity to register to vote during a naturalization ceremony in Detroit.

The ceremony is Thursday, Sept. 17 at 10 a.m. at Cobo Center, One Washington Blvd. Approximately 1,000 people are expected to participate.

"Voting is the foundation of American democracy," Land said. "I encourage our newest countrymen to take the opportunity to register so that they may participate on Election Day. Your vote is your voice."

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 ceremony.