In June, the LWV of the Spokane Area will register new citizens to vote during the first in-person naturalization ceremony to be held in two years. The following is an article published in the This Week in the League newsletter in February 2020, shortly before the pandemic hit that underscores the importance of these events for both League members and new citizens.  

One of the Reasons I Joined the League of Women Voters… 

By Denise Campitelli, Treasurer, LWV of Spokane Area 

One of the reasons that I joined the League of Women Voters a little more than a year ago was to be involved with voter registration in some way. I went through voter registration training and observed a couple of civics education classes in the high schools and had enjoyed it all. 

And then on Tuesday, January 28, 2020, I volunteered to be part of the voter registration efforts surrounding a naturalization ceremony, and I cannot tell you how moving and rewarding that event turned out to be.  

Standing in the back of the jam-packed, ninth-floor courtroom in the Thomas S. Foley United States Courthouse, I had the honor of watching 34 individuals from 23 different countries take their oath of citizenship. I was mesmerized by the proceedings and not a little emotional with the overall atmosphere of the event. Each new citizen received a certificate of citizenship, shook hands with those officiating, and returned to the seats. Then Judge John Rodgers addressed the new citizens and told them three things: 

• First, he warmly welcomed each person, saying that he did not know their individual paths in arriving at this day, but that he was happy to be part of this life-changing event. 

• Second, he strongly urged—he actually said that he was begging—them to participate in this country’s democracy with whatever activity they choose, with the most important activity their right to vote. 

• And third, he asked them to remain themselves. In other words, do not change who they are but incorporate their culture into their new country’s culture. 

The new citizens (and their family and friends) made their way to where the LWV of Spokane Area and the Spokane County Elections Office personnel were waiting for them, and I am proud to say that 23 new citizens of the United States registered to vote that day. 

It was a most memorable experience and one that I recommend to all. I do have some advice though: 

• Be sure to join the next voter registration training. 

• Volunteer for all events, but do not miss a naturalization ceremony. 

• Bring tissues!