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New Citizens Register To Vote On Primary's Deadline Day

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By KEITH MORELLI | The Tampa Tribune

Published: July 28, 2008

Updated: 07/28/2008 01:09 pm

TAMPA - Maria Louisa Davis got to the United States seven years ago, but today she became a permanent fixture. She was one of 520 flag-waving, "Star Spangled Banner"-singing people sworn in as citizens today at the Tampa Convention Center.

The 52-year-old Orlando woman said she wants to vote in the election this fall and that was an overriding reason for her going through the lengthy process.

Today is the deadline for registering to vote for the primary election in August, and it also marks 100 days until the presidential election in November.

At least half of the new citizens were expected to fill out voter registration cards at tables at the back of the room.

Davis was among them.

She left Colombia, she said, "because of the political and economic situation." She met her American husband there when he worked at a golf course, and both decided to make a life in the United States. They have two daughters who are American citizens.

Davis said she wanted to work in a veterans hospital, and she needed citizenship to do that. She also feels safer here than in Colombia, she said.

But the principal reason for her becoming a citizen is the right to vote, she said.

"This is a big day," she said, "because I want to vote in this election."

Jean Cole has been in the United States for 26 of her 30 years. She married a U.S. citizen who is in the military, and they have two children who are American citizens. She came here as a child from Guyana, she said, and is just giddy about getting her certificate.

"I'm finally going to be a citizen," she said with a wide grin.

She said getting a chance to vote this fall was a major factor in her seeking citizenship. She hadn't sought the right before because, she said, "I was younger, and it didn't mater."

The Kissimmee woman has been following national politics closely this year.

"It's been an up-and-down year in politics," she said.

The hourlong ceremony this morning was highlighted with everyone reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, singing the national anthem and waving small American flags during a rousing rendition of "God Bless the USA."

Brett Rinehart, a Citizenship and Immigration Services senior agent, conducted the ceremony and at one point told the throng about the voter registration tables at the back of the room.

"The most important right of a citizen is the right to … " his voice trailed off.

"… Vote," the pending citizens said loudly.

The new citizens hailed from 78 countries. Most, 112, hailed from Cuba, and 52 are former Mexican citizens. The rest came from far-flung places such as Belarus, Russia and Bangladesh.

Caesar Gonzmart, with the Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections office in Tampa, was busy afterward handing out voter registration forms.

"Usually, we register between 275 and 400," from the swearing-in ceremonies, he said.

Politics is a hot topic this year with the presidential election hanging in the balance. The country is at war and the economy is struggling, sparking interest in this election.

The vote looms important for many, especially new citizens, many of whom spent the few extra minutes filling out forms so they could register today and be able to vote in the Aug. 26 primary.

The presidential election is on Nov. 4. Deadline to register for that election is Oct. 6.

According to the Hillsborough Supervisor of Elections Web site, registration applications and requests by those who wish to change party affiliation must be received at a supervisor's office by today.

Registration can be done at locations other than the supervisor's office. They can be made at state driver's license offices, armed services recruitment offices, state Division of Elections offices, public libraries and state public assistance agencies.

Those wanting to register by mail must have their correspondence mailed no later than the close of business today, officials said.

Florida voter registration forms can be downloaded at www.votehillsborough.org. The completed application must be postmarked or received in the supervisor's office by 5 p.m. today.

For information about elections in surrounding counties, go to TBO.com, click on "News," follow the link to the "Politics" page and select from the "Election Offices" menu.

It couldn't have been more convenient for this nation's newest citizens this morning.

Robert Frost, 37, of Winter Haven, was born in Canada and has been in the United States since 1983, he said. It was about time he got naturalized and started voting, he said.

He raised a family in the United States, and he wants to be a civic role model for his teenage children.

"I've been here so long, and I've always wanted to vote," he said. "I've always had an interest in U.S. politics."

Reporter Keith Morelli can be reached at (813) 259-7760 or kmorelli@tampatrib.com.

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