Proud to be American!

Michigan offers plate to show pride

Secretary of State Ruth Johnson wishes everyone a safe and enjoyable Fourth of July and reminds Michigan residents they have the option of celebrating their patriotism year-round on their vehicle with a "Proud to be American" license plate.

The red, white and blue plate first went on sale on Oct. 15, 2001 and costs $35, of which $25 goes to benefit the American Red Cross and The Salvation Army. Renewals are $10, which all goes to the charitable organizations.

UM Coach Harbaugh visits SOS

New University of Michigan Football Coach Jim Harbaugh and his wife Sarah visited the Washtenaw County PLUS Secretary of State office in Ann Arbor on June 29 and then gave a tweetout to employees for the service afterward. While there, Harbaugh obtained Michigan plates, registered to vote in the state and made the choice to help save lives by adding his name to Michigan's organ donor registry.

SOS offices closed

All Secretary of State offices will close on Friday, July 3 in observance of Independence Day. Secretary of State SUPER!Centers that normally offer Saturday hours will be closed on Saturday, July 4.

Customers are encouraged to use online services at ExpressSOS.com and Self-Service Stations located in many locations statewide.

Register by July 6

Michigan residents have until Monday, July 6, to register to vote in the Aug. 4 local elections, said Secretary of State Ruth Johnson.

To register to vote, applicants must be at least 18 years old by Election Day and U.S. citizens. Applicants also must be residents of Michigan and of the city or township in which they wish to register. To find out if your community is holding an election, visit Michigan.gov/vote.

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