One Wednesday every month, if you drive down J Street, you will see hundreds of people lined up outside of Sacramento Memorial Auditorium. New Americans born all around the world are waiting to celebrate one of the proudest days of their lives. Once inside, these patriots will take their oaths and be sworn in as new citizens of our great country.

If you look closely, you will also see a number of folks going through the line, carrying clipboards. These hardworking volunteers are helping the new citizens register to vote, so that they can fulfill one of their core civic responsibilities. Engaged citizens taking part in the process, helping to elect our leaders and making decisions on important issues that face our city, county, state and nation is the beating heart of every vibrant democracy.

The Women Democrats of Sacramento County bring out a dozen or more volunteers each month to help register these new citizens. The crew led by Ralph Sifers and Women Democrats President Kate Lenox registered 130 voters yesterday with a smile and heartfelt congratulations.

This month the team was joined by City Council candidate Ryan Chin, who spent his lunch break with the team. As the son of immigrant parents, he has seen first-hand how important it is to ensure that there is a fair path to citizenship for hard working, law abiding residents of our country.

The next New Citizens Swearing In and Voter Registration Drive will be on Wednesday, April 21. New volunteers are always welcome.