Under Kelsey’s Law which went into effect on March 28, teen drivers in Michigan with a Level 1 or Level 2 license under the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program are prohibited from using a cell phone while driving.  Each year about 183,000 teens between the ages of 14 years, 9 months and 17 years old have a Level 1 or Level 2 GDL. In 2011 in Michigan, 52 people were killed and 452 were seriously injured in crashes involving drivers ages 17 and younger. Of those fatalities, 16 were a 14-17-year-old driver. Find out more at www.michigan.gov/teendriver.

Kelsey's mother, Bonnie Raffaele, joined Secretary of State Ruth Johnson and other state officials at a recent press conference announcing the law.

Lansing kids have a day to remember!

National Reading Month 2013 will long be remembered at Mount Hope Elementary.  On March 25, Secretary of State Ruth Johnson and a camera crew from WILX News 10 visited the Lansing elementary school as part of the reading celebration month. The kids were treated to a story about the Mackinac Bridge troll. Watch the video.

Ducks Unlimited license plate to benefit state wetlands

On March 20, Secretary Johnson, legislators joined Gov. Rick Snyder as he signed legislation creating a Ducks Unlimited fundraising license plate. Proceeds from the plate support preservation of Michigan wetlands. Pictured (l to r) are: Tracy Oberleiter, chairman of Monroe Ducks Unlimited; Gov. Snyder; Marshal Anderson, co-chairman of Monroe Ducks Unlimited; and Secretary Johnson.

RV show attendance up 34 percent

Good vibe generates hope for economic recovery

Secretary Johnson attended the 36th Annual Flint Camper & RV Show in mid-March where the lines were long to step inside the many recreation vehicles on display. Read more.

May Election

Michigan residents have until Monday, April 8, to register to vote in the May 7 election. To register, applicants must be age 18 by Election Day and be U.S. citizens. Applicants must also be residents of Michigan and of the city or township in which they wish to register. The polls will be open on Election Day from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Does your community have a May election?

Click here to find out.

You can also visit our Michigan Voter Information Center at michigan.gov/vote to check your voter registration status, view a sample ballot, find information on absentee voting, find a map to your local polling place, and much more. A smart phone version is also available at the same website.

Attention Voters: Citizenship affirmation on ballot applications

Residents who vote in the May 7 election may notice a slight change on their applications to vote, which are used in the polls and on absentee voter ballot applications.

Going forward, the applications will include a U.S. citizenship affirmation statement that appears above the signature line and reminds voters they must be citizens in order to vote. By signing the application, the voter certifies that he or she is a U.S. citizen.

Veterans: 

Get the benefits you've earned!

Many veterans aren’t aware about all the benefits available to them – benefits they have earned and deserve. For example, they may qualify for health care with the Veterans Health Administration  (VHA.) If you are a veteran or know a veteran, here are some helpful links:

• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs 
  
• Michigan Department of Military & Veterans Affairs

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