Dr. Maggie Charsley of Los Alamos became a citizen of the United States of America during a Naturalization ceremony Monday in Santa Fe. Courtesy photo

COMMUNITY News:

Dr. Maggie Charsley of Los Alamos participated in a moving Naturalization ceremony, becoming a citizen of the United States of America Monday at the Santa Fe Community Convention Center.

United States District Court Judge Judith C. Herrera presided over the event, welcoming 201 new citizens from 47 countries. She highlighted the special freedoms that American citizens enjoy including freedom of speech, freedom to assemble, freedom to practice the religion of one’s choice and the right to vote. 

The Mayor of Santa Fe, Alan Webber and John B. Pound, a fellow in the American College of Trial Lawyers and a member of the Bar of the United States Supreme Court who is listed in the publications The Best Lawyers in America and Southwest Super Lawyers, both addressed the new citizens.

Pound gave a rousing address and emphatically stressed to all that it was their civic duty to vote. 

Forms to apply for voter registration and a booth were at the event for the convenience of all the participants.

Dr. Charsley, who has been canvassing for local candidates in Los Alamos for more than 10 years as a permanent resident, immediately registered to vote. She said that she is very excited to cast her first ballot in this upcoming election in November.