Michigan's new license plate

The Mackinac Bridge plate is now available at all SOS offices for $5

The mighty Mackinac Bridge that joins Michigan's two peninsulas is prominently featured on a new license plate that the state began issuing on Aug. 29.

Motorists can purchase the strikingly colorful plate, which pictures the bridge against an orange sunrise sky over blue waters, for their vehicle for just $5 in addition to regular registration fees.

"The Mighty Mac is a symbol of American ingenuity and has a place in the hearts of Michiganians," said Secretary of State Ruth Johnson, who announced the plate in Aug. 2012 from the top of the bridge. "It doesn't matter how many times you've seen it, that moment when it comes into view, it's still breathtaking."

The new plate was heavily promoted at this year's Labor Day Bridge Walk. Secretary of State staff arranged with the Bridge Authority to have banners about the plate hung above the tollbooths in St. Ignace, where they have been seen by tens of thousands of motorists.

Staff also set up the ExpressSOS.com tent at the Walk and handed out bridge license plate magnets to thousands of participants. During his speech prior to leading more than 30,000 people across the bridge, Gov. Rick Snyder held up a 1TUFNRD plate and encouraged residents to get one for their vehicles. Watch the promotional spot for the new plate running on the Motor Vehicle Network in SOS offices. Listen to audio of Secretary Johnson talking about the new plate with WGVU Radio's Shelley Irwin.

Partnership brings one-stop shopping to Macomb County residents

The Macomb County Clerk mobile office will be at the Secretary of State Southeast Macomb branch office from 11 a.m.- 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 11. The SOS office is located at 24040 Harper in St. Clair Shores. “This means our customers can handle both their Secretary of State needs and get some of their county business done at the same time,” said Secretary of State Ruth Johnson. “Our partnership with Macomb County Clerk Carmella Sabaugh is a win-win for Macomb residents.” County services include Macomb County birth and death certificates, business registrations, marriage licenses, circuit court records, voter registration, concealed pistol license applications and real estate deed requests.

Expanded online services, other tools improving customer service

Read a column by Secretary Johnson that recently ran in the Arab American News. Johnson encourages residents to consider using the many online services at ExpressSOS.com or other alternative avenues for transactions, rather than taking the time to come in to a Secretary of State branch office.

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Patriot Week is September 11-17

Secretary Johnson supports Patriot Week, which was created by Oakland County Circuit Court Judge Michael Warren and his daughter to celebrate America and “what makes it the greatest country in the world.” Patriot Week begins on Sept. 11, the anniversary of the terrorist attacks, and concludes on Sept. 17, the anniversary of the signing of the Constitution. For more information, visit patriotweek.org.

Office hours at WCCC

On Aug. 27, Linda Tarver, director of community affairs for the Michigan Department of State, held office hours at the Eastern Campus of Wayne County Community College in Detroit. Tarver and other representatives have been doing outreach into communities across Michigan to give constituents the chance to ask questions and to share their feedback and ideas with MDOS.

New citizens become new voters

Approximately 240 new citizens had a chance to register to vote after naturalization ceremonies in Grand Rapids Aug. 21-22 at the Gerald R. Ford Museum in Grand Rapids. The Secretary of State’s office regularly sends representatives to naturalization ceremonies in Grand Rapids and the Detroit area, offering new citizens a chance to participate in one essential form of democracy by registering so that they may later vote.

Mobile Office, SOS tent out and about in MI

The Mobile Branch Office is beginning stops at some colleges and universities with a visit Wednesday, Sept. 4 to Oakland University. On Sept. 10 and 11, the Mobile Office visits Oakland Community College’s Southfield and Royal Oak campuses.

A Veterans Stand Down is being held in Battle Creek on Sept. 13, and then the Mobile Office visits Wayne County Community College District’s Eastern campus on Sept. 16. That weekend, from Sept. 19-22, the office takes in the sights at the Boating and Outdoor Festival at Lake St. Clair Metropark in Harrison Township.

Meanwhile, the ExpressSOS.com tent will be at the Frankenmuth Autofest Sept. 6-8. The booth will be located in Heritage Park.