NOVEMBER 18, 2008

Representatives of Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land will offer new citizens the opportunity to register to vote during a naturalization ceremony in Detroit on Friday, Nov. 21.

The ceremony is at 10 a.m. at Cobo Center, One Washington Blvd. Up to 600 new Americans are expected to take their citizenship oaths.

"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 ceremony.