League Volunteers Register More than 1,000 New Citizens

A record number of people became naturalized citizens in 2022, and League volunteers in Utah and across the country were there to help them take the first step to full participation in our democracy--registering to vote.

Last year, LWVSL volunteers helped more than 1,100 new citizens register during 69 naturalization ceremonies. According to LWVSL Voter Services Director Helen Moser, that number will only increase in 2023.

"We're projecting close to a three-fold increase in ceremonies in 2023 with ample opportunities to volunteer," Moser says.

The 2022 increase in new citizens is the result of President Joe Biden's continuing directive to promote naturalizations by eliminating bureaucratic barriers in the citizenship process, speeding up case adjudications and developing a government-wide strategy to encourage eligible immigrants to become citizens. 

Consider joining LWVSL in an upcoming naturalization ceremony. Visit Voter Services for dates/locations planned in early 2023 and sign up to volunteer.  No previous experience is needed; training will be provided.  More dates will be added as the year gets underway.

Fred Moldt of U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services administers the oath of citizenship to 30 new citizens on January 12 at the USCIS Field Office.

LWVSL Volunteer Teresa Carlson helps a new citizen register to vote at the January 4 ceremony at the State Capitol Rotunda.