DECEMBER 17, 2007

Representatives of Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land will be on hand to encourage voter registration by America's newest citizens during naturalization ceremonies in Grand Rapids on Wednesday, Dec. 19 and Thursday, Dec. 20.

The newest members of the American family take their citizenship oaths at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum, 303 Pearl St. N.W. The events start at 10 a.m. both days.

"We're proud of our new countrymen and respect the sacrifices they have made to become Americans," Land said. "But their responsibilities don't end here. Democracy works the best when everyone participates and the first step in making your voice heard is registering to vote."

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.

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