Get out and vote on March 8!

Johnson urges Michigan voters to help choose America's next president

Secretary of State Ruth Johnson wants you to have everything you need to be an informed voter in Michigan's presidential primary election on March 8.

In a special video message, Johnson is encouraging registered voters across the state to make the time to vote to help determine the direction of our country.

The Michigan Voter Information Center at michigan.gov/vote is an excellent resource. At the website, voters can confirm their registration, view a sample ballot for their jurisdiction and get a map to their polling place.

SOS supports governor's budget plan of $10M for new election equipment

Secretary of State Ruth Johnson issued the following statement regarding the governor’s budget proposal announced Feb. 10 that calls for $10 million in state support to help local communities buy new election equipment:

“I appreciate Governor Snyder’s commitment to upgrading our state’s aging election equipment. I look forward to working with lawmakers now to win their support for this reasonable plan, and I encourage city and township leaders to offer their support as well. Our election equipment has served us well, but we should act before we start seeing widespread equipment failures as the machines reach the end of their useful life.”

In addition to the $10 million in state dollars proposed today by the governor, the department has been a prudent steward of federal Help America Vote Act dollars and has more than $25 million that can be used to pay for new equipment. The governor’s budget proposal also calls for local communities to pay $5 million toward the equipment that they will own and maintain.

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Need to renew your tabs? Skip the wait and do it online, by kiosk or mail!

There are other ways to renew your tabs than waiting in line at a Secretary of State branch office. Renew online, on one of more than 70 self-service kiosks statewide or simply by mailing in the form you receive from us. 

Find out more and save time: http://bit.ly/AltSvcs.

SOS snowmobiles for Recreation Passport

Secretary Johnson joined legislators and members of the Michigan Snowmobile Association on a tour across Northern Michigan on Feb. 26.

Johnson used the opportunity to promote Michigan's Recreation Passport, which for just $11 gives residents access to all state parks for a year.

(Photo by MSA)

New MI law connects emergency info to IDs

Gov. Rick Snyder signed legislation on Feb. 2 that will give Michigan residents the option of having emergency contact info connected to their driver's license or state ID.

The information could help emergency responders more quickly connect with family members after an accident or in situations where an elderly relative with dementia or Alzheimer's is found after having become lost.

Rep. Peter Lucido (R-Shelby Township, pictured above with Secretary Johnson) sponsored the legislation.

Nominations needed for community service heroes in MI

Do you know a person or organization dedicated to volunteerism in Michigan? 

Please nominate them for a Governor's Service Award by March 21!