A Woodinville mom becomes a U. S. citizen and votes on Election Day

WOODINVILLE, Wash. — A Woodinville mother was scheduled to take her citizenship test on Election Day.

Natalia Pappe, 35, was supposed to take the test in April. She got a letter in March to tell her the test was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

When she got her new test date, she thought it was a coincidence that it was on November 3, Election Day. It turned out to be perfect timing. Pappe passed the test and was given the oath on the spot. Due to the pandemic, they aren’t doing a formal naturalization ceremony. Not only did she become a U. S. citizen, she was able to go register and vote.

She drove to Bellevue College and voted.

Pappe is from Colombia and came to Bellevue College in 2007 to study English. She was 21 years old. That was where she met her husband. Now they live in Woodinville with their two young daughters.

Pappe shared her story to encourage other immigrants who are stuck waiting for citizenship due to delays from the pandemic.

“I felt part of something and I feel I fully belong to the United States. I’m part of something and it feels great,” said Pappe.

Cox Media Group