Nearly 150 people hailing from more than 50 countries flocked to the Salt Lake City Public Library on Wednesday to partake in citizenship oath ceremonies and receive their certificate of naturalization — marking a momentous occasion for these newly made U.S. citizens.
Once everyone had been seated inside the library’s auditorium, the organizers of the naturalization ceremonies wasted no time in reminding the newly-made citizens about their rights; in particular, highlighting their newfound right to vote in local and federal elections — a liberty that many participants in the citizenship oath ceremony had never known before.
“One of the best things about the United States is its people and that includes all of you,” said Salt Lake County Clerk Lannie Chapman, addressing those about to partake in the naturalization oath of allegiance . Chapman explained the pride that Americans take in casting their ballots and how our government, as a representative democracy, relies on a demographically diverse pool of involved citizens to elect its leaders.