National Voter Registration Day

Secretary of State Ruth Johnson: Register now for Nov. 3 elections

Secretary of State Ruth Johnson says National Voter Registration Day on Tuesday, Sept. 22 is a great reminder to register to vote for Nov. 3 local elections and the presidential election in 2016. 

“Registering to vote is fast and easy, and it’s the best way to celebrate our democracy,” Johnson said. Here’s how you can participate in National Voter Registration Month:

Get registered to vote. You can do so in five easy steps. 

Update your information. This is essential if you’ve recently moved, changed your name or had your voting rights restored.  You can make the changes when you update the address on your driver’s license or ID card – either online or at an Secretary of State branch. You can also fill out a Michigan voter registration/change of address form and mail it in.

Sign up for election reminders here.

Use social media to spread the word. On Twitter and Facebook, promote this link, which has helpful voter information. On Sept. 22, use the hashtag #CelebrateNVRD.

The deadline to register for Nov. 3 elections is Oct. 5. Do you know if you're registered? You can find out on the SOS site.

Is your child in the right car seat?

National Child Passenger Safety is celebrated in September, so here's a refresher on Michigan’s child booster seat law. It requires children to be properly buckled in a car or booster seat until they are age 8 or 4-feet-9-inches tall. Here’s a quick explainer video. The child restraint system may be either a child seat with harness straps or a booster seat (no-back or high-back), depending on the child's weight. If you're transporting a child who isn't properly restrained, you can be fined $25. Safercar.gov has tips on finding the right seat for your child. Just plug in your child’s information here. Last year, 6 million car seats were recalled, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Here are four steps you can take to ensure your child is safe. If you buy a used car seat, here’s a safety check list. Better yet, get your car seat inspected by an authorized agency. Here’s an interactive map to find out the closest one near you.

Harvest Gathering: Feeding the hungry

Secretary of State Ruth Johnson encourages people across the state to participate in the 25th Annual Michigan Harvest Gathering food drive.

Johnson and her staff are joining Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette to promote the food drive around the state. Schuette and his wife co-founded the effort in 1991.

“For 25 years, the Harvest Gathering campaign has seen the people of our great state stand together to not only feed the hungry but to bring them hope,” Johnson said. “I want to thank everyone who participates, from the people working the food banks to the truck drivers, sponsors and office workers, for keeping the momentum going.”

Johnson noted that the Secretary of State staff makes the food drive a big success every year: Since 2011, Secretary of State offices have collected almost 30 tons of food donations from customers and Secretary of State employees. The campaign runs through Nov. 25.

SOS Mobile Office schedule

Sept. 22: Northwestern Michigan College, Osterlin Library Building, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sept. 28-29: Riverview City Hall, 12-7 p.m.

Have a Question?

You'll find many answers online at our Frequently Asked Questions page.

You also can seek help by emailing us via our Contact Page or by calling our customer help line at 888-SOS-MICH (767-6424).

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.