RI Elections Officials Providing Voter Registration and Voting Information for Newly Naturalized U.S. Citizens
Following Implementation of New U.S. Citizens and Immigration Services Rule, the RI Board of Elections, the RI Department of State, and Local Boards of Canvassers are Partnering to Ensure New Voters can Register at Naturalization Ceremonies
CRANSTON, R.I. – The Rhode Island Board of Elections, in partnership with the Rhode Island Department of State and local boards of canvassers, is providing voter registration and voting information services to newly naturalized U.S. citizens following weekly naturalization ceremonies held at the U.S. Citizens and Immigration Service’s (USCIS) Johnston office. The Board of Elections will also join the Department of State at monthly naturalization ceremonies organized by the U.S. District Court. At tables set up outside of the naturalization ceremonies, elections officials will answer new citizens’ questions about elections in Rhode Island and assist in registering them to vote.
The Board of Elections and the Department of State have implemented these voter registration and information services for newly naturalized citizens following a recently implemented USCIS rule prohibiting third party organizations, such as the Rhode Island League of Women Voters, from providing voter registration at these events.
“Naturalization ceremonies are joyous occasions for new citizens eager to contribute to and participate in our nation’s democracy,” said Rhode Island Board of Elections Chairwoman Jennifer Johnson. “There is nothing more fundamental to being a citizen than the right to vote. That is why the Board of Elections is proud to step up alongside the Department of State and local Boards of Canvassers to offer voter registration services and information about voting in Rhode Island elections to these newly naturalized U.S. citizens.”
“Rhode Island Board of Elections staff and our local boards of canvassers have a great deal of experience providing voter registration and voting information services,” said Executive Director Miguel Nunez. “We are pleased to be able to provide these services, so fundamental to voting and our democracy, to new U.S. citizens immediately following their naturalization ceremonies.”
“Celebrating new citizens and getting them registered to vote at the monthly naturalization ceremonies hosted by the U.S. District Court remains one of the highlights of my work as Secretary of State,” said Secretary of State Gregg M. Amore. “I am grateful to the Rhode Island League of Women Voters volunteers who have covered ceremonies at the Johnston USCIS office for the past two years, and while I hope they are able to resume this work soon, my team and I are proud to help these new citizens exercise their duties as citizens, including registering to vote and participating in upcoming elections. I thank our partners at the Board of Elections and local boards of canvassers for working together to provide this opportunity.”
Photos from USCIS naturalization ceremony held this morning in Johnston:
