PROVIDENCE, R.I. (July 3, 2008) – Fifteen of the state’s newest citizens are also the state’s newest voters.
Secretary of State A. Ralph Mollis opened shop at the citizenship ceremony at Roger Williams National Park in Providence today and registered 15 of the Rhode Islanders who took their Oath of Allegiance to the United States.
“Imagine the thrill of becoming a citizen and a voter on the same day. Attending the swearing-in events is just one of the ways my office makes it easier for people to vote,” said Mollis.
The new voters live in Providence, Pawtucket, Central Falls, Bristol, North Providence, Warwick, Cranston and Cumberland. They were among 51 people who became U.S. citizens today. More new voters may be on the way. Mollis and his staff handed every one of the newly sworn citizens a voter registration form as they picked up their citizenship papers.
The new Americans came from around the world including Latin America, Africa and Asia. In all, two-dozen countries were represented at the citizenship ceremony, officials said.
The registration effort is just one example of the outreach Mollis has stressed since being elected. He also sends his staff to the state’s high schools and colleges to help Rhode Island students register to vote.
“People who register to vote are more likely to become involved and knowledgeable citizens. Now is the time to reach out to them,” said Mollis.
In order to register, people must be residents of Rhode Island, U.S. citizens, at least age 18 on or before Election Day 2008 and have a valid social security number or Rhode Island driver’s license.
Mollis oversees many aspects of federal, state and municipal elections held in Rhode Island. His office also publishes guidebooks that include important dates in the election cycle as well as outline how to run for office and register to vote.
Secretary of State Mollis is committed to making it easier to vote, helping businesses grow and making government more open and accessible. For more information about the programs and services the Secretary of State offers Rhode Islanders, visit www.sec.state.ri.us.