A driver's license for veterans

Johnson, MVAA celebrate new option for those who honorably served

Beginning May 1, Michigan veterans can display their proof of service right on their Michigan driver's license.

Secretary of State Ruth Johnson and Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency Director Jeff Barnes celebrated Michigan's new driver's license for veterans on April 23 in Lansing. The new license, which has the word "Veteran" in bold red on the front of the card, will be available to all honorably discharged Michigan veterans.

Johnson said it's particularly fitting that the new license will be available in a month when veterans are remembered and honored for their service.

"We are indebted to these courageous men and women and this will help them get the benefits they have earned and deserve," said Johnson. "I hope every store clerk and every bank teller who sees this on a driver's license will take a moment to thank that veteran for their service and sacrifice."

More

Report: Michigan election administration ranks 6th highest in nation

Secretary Johnson has announced that Michigan ranks among the best states nationally for election administration and performance, according to a national nonpartisan research organization that studied 17 elections performance indicators in depth.

The Pew Center on the States released a report that called Michigan a “high-performer” for the 2008, 2010 and 2012 election cycles, one of only seven states. According to the study, Michigan also has the third-highest voter registration rate in the nation.

“Thanks to the hard work of our state’s county, city and township election officials, Michigan again ranks among the best in the nation for election administration, confirming what I’ve long known,” Johnson said. “We have an outstanding elections system that we’re continuing to improve by making it even more secure and convenient for voters.”

More

Donate Life Month

During Donate Life Month, Secretary of State Ruth Johnson presented a Shining Star Award to Marquette General Hospital for outstanding efforts toward the promotion of organ donation. See the video.

If you haven't done so yet, please join the registry as an organ, tissue and eye donor today. You can also show your support for the cause with a Donate Life license plate for your vehicle.

Secretary visits U.P.

Secretary Johnson traveled across Michigan's beautiful Upper Peninsula recently, visiting with SOS office customers and staff and talking with citizens at town hall meetings as part of her ongoing efforts to improve customer service across all 131 branch offices.

Johnson also spoke with the media on a number of topics, including her department's efforts to better serve veterans and military personnel and to help save lives by promoting organ donation.

Kayak training?

In her free time, Secretary of State Ruth Johnson gets out in her kayak. Last May, she crossed the Straits of Mackinac in it to promote ExpressSOS.com and other state services. What is she training for now?