20 campuses across 3,000 miles

Students, others can register during ExpressSOS Voter Registration Drive

The Secretary of State's Mobile Office is on the road as part of a statewide voter registration drive visiting colleges and universities, Secretary of State Ruth Johnson said.

The 3,000-mile "2014 ExpressSOS Voter Registration Drive" began Aug. 26 and is also helping highlight the Secretary of State's online services at ExpressSOS.com.

"College students may have questions about registering and voting, and we want to be certain to answer their questions so that they will feel engaged in the democratic process," said Johnson. "Everyone is encouraged to stop by our Mobile Office in order to register to vote or take care of any other Secretary of State business."

The deadline to register to vote in the Nov. 4 general election is Oct. 6.

The Mobile Office tour includes stops at 20 different colleges and universities. The tour started in the Upper Peninsula with a visit to Lake Superior State University and continues across the state over the next several weeks.

In addition to voter registration, the Mobile Office offers nearly all of the services available at local branch offices. Customers can change their address, renew their driver's license, get their tabs and even sign up on Michigan's Organ Donor Registry. Staff will be available to answer questions about voter ID, absentee ballots, locating a sample ballot and finding their polling place.

Johnson said the new voter registration drive will supplement other efforts to register new voters, including:

• A postcard sent to every 18 year old on their birthday reminding them to register to vote.
• Voter registration for newly sworn citizens at naturalization ceremonies across the state.
• A policy in which branch office customers who come in for personal ID or driver's licenses are asked if they want to register to vote, provided they are U.S. citizens

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Parks plus Perks

Say YES to the Recreation Passport when renewing your vehicle tabs. For $11, you can access all Michigan state parks (like Porcupine Mountains Wilderness S.P.) plus perks.

Helping new citizens

Secretary of State staff was on hand to help new citizens register to vote after a naturalization ceremony at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum in Grand Rapids on Aug. 20.

Test your knowledge of U.S. history and government with this naturalization test.

Shining Star Award nominations sought

The Michigan Secretary of State's Shining Star Award honors exceptional dedication, outstanding support, novel partnerships and/or extraordinary efforts in the area of organ and tissue donor awareness.

If you know a person or organization deserving of this honor, please nominate them today.

Useful Tip: Search for recalls using your VIN

Check for any recalls on your vehicle by entering its identification number (VIN) in this search tool from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

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