NOVEMBER 14, 2008

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

The ceremonies are Tuesday, Nov. 18 at 1:30 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 19 at 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., and Thursday, Nov. 20 at 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. All ceremonies are at the Gerald R. Ford Museum, 303 Pearl St. N.W. Approximately 80 people are expected to participate in each ceremony.

"These new citizens have just watched a historic presidential election take place," Land said. "I'm proud to offer them the opportunity to register to vote so that they may participate in future elections. It's important that their voices be heard on Election Day."

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.