News Release
For Immediate Release
Contact:
Peggy Kvam
952-935-6999 or (651) 224-5445 /
email
St. Paul, MN—May 20, 2008—The League of Women Voters Minnesota (LWVMN) reached
a milestone mark of registering 10,033 new voters from over 120 countries at naturalization
ceremonies around the state since January 2007. On May 15, 2008 volunteers from
LWVMN assisted 373 new citizen voter registrations at two naturalization ceremonies
held at the Federal Courthouse in Minneapolis.
LWVMN Co-President Judy Stuthman regularly attends naturalization ceremonies
across Minnesota. At each ceremony, she carefully explains how to fill out the Voter
Registration form and spends time speaking with new citizens. According to Stuthman,
“the enthusiasm of this group for democracy is very moving.” Recalling a woman in
her 60s coming to tears while registering to vote for the first time, Stuthman said,
“imagine growing up and not being able to go to school because you are a woman...and
then to be told that you can be a part of selecting the leader of your new country.
She was very moved."
“The high interest in registering to vote by our newest citizens is a sign that
our democracy is thriving here in Minnesota,” said Secretary of State Mark Ritchie.
“It is inspiring to see so many choose to register to vote as their first act as
a new citizen."
LWVMN, a nonpartisan political organization, continues to register new voters
at all regularly scheduled naturalization ceremonies in Minnesota.
# # #
The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages
informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding
of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and
advocacy. Membership in the League is open to men and women of all ages. Join us
in making democracy work!
For more information about the League of Women Voters, call (651) 224-5445
or visit www.lwvmn.org.
