FEBRUARY 16, 2009

Up to 200 new Americans to take oath in Troy

Representatives of Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land will help new citizens register to vote during a naturalization ceremony in Troy on Friday, Feb. 20.

The ceremony is at 10 a.m. at the American Polish Cultural Center, 2975 East Maple Road. Up to 200 new Americans are expected to take their citizenship oaths.

"I'm pleased to offer these new citizens the opportunity to register to vote," Land said. "I often say your vote is your voice, because voting is the foundation of democracy in America. It's important that all 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 ceremony.