Ballot double-check

SOS Johnson thanks those who gave time and effort to MI election recount

Secretary of State Ruth Johnson expressed appreciation to the many clerks, workers and volunteers who gave their time and effort to the presidential election recount in Michigan, which was halted for legal reasons after three days.

"The courts have ruled that Jill Stein’s recount should stop," Johnson said. "This is a testament of the integrity of Michigan elections.

"I especially want to thank our local clerks and their staff, precinct workers, county clerks, our staff at the Michigan Bureau of Elections and especially the patriots who volunteered their personal time to ensure integrity at the polls and in the partial recount efforts that have taken place.

"We live in the greatest nation in the world and are resilient, and at our best when we work together. As a state and nation we will continue to have monumental challenges before us. It is now time for people to come together to do their share to carry out a long-term American tradition: work hard, sacrifice and make good decisions so our kids and grandkids have even more opportunity."

Veterans can get a special designation on their Michigan driver's license or ID

The veteran designation gives veterans an easy and optional way to prove their veteran status to receive discounts from businesses. 

Military veterans who served in any branch of the U.S. armed forces and have an honorable or under honorable conditions (general) discharge may have a veteran designation printed on their Michigan driver's license or state identification card.

Qualifying services include the U.S. Air Force, Air Force National Guard, Army, Army National Guard, Coast Guard, Marine Corps and Navy, as well as their Reserve components.

Eligible veterans may get the designation by visiting any Secretary of State office or when renewing through the mail. The designation is available when you apply for an original or renewal Michigan license or ID at no additional charge. If added at another time, correction fees will apply.

More info

Election fraud discovery by Secretary of State staff leads to conviction

A jury found a Grand Haven man guilty on 10 counts of election law fraud on Nov. 30 in Ottawa County Circuit Court. The case stemmed from a discovery by a staff member in the Secretary of State's Bureau of Elections who had flagged signatures on nominating petitions that looked similar. Read the Grand Haven Tribune story.

Medal of Honor license plate issued

Secretary of State officials recently presented retired Lt. Col. Charles Kettles with the 8th Medal of Honor license plate ever issued in Michigan.

Kettles, of Ypsilanti, was given the Medal of Honor, the nation's highest award for valor in action, at the White House in July for his bravery as a helicopter pilot in Vietnam.

Lt. Col. Kettles was very humble about being awarded the Medal and thanked the department for extending an invitation to him to receive the commemorative license plate.

Learn more about Kettles

MSP says Get Your Head Out of Your App

The Michigan State Police has launched a new awareness campaign that urges drivers to "Get Your Head Out of Your App."

Any activity that takes attention away from the primary task of driving is distracted driving and very dangerous. 

Customers love
using MI-TIME Line

Customers continue to praise the MI-TIME Line wait management system offered in 24 of the busiest SOS offices statewide.

"I'm impressed. Well done in every way," one wrote. "I served as Customer Service VP of a large company for 25 years. It is not easy to do what you do but you made it seamless, professional and pleasant! Kudos on a job well done!!"

MI-TIME Line allows customers to get in line or make an appointment online and then receive call or text updates letting them know when it's almost their turn at the counter.