Tested. Trusted. A Fighter for Michigan.

RUTH JOHNSON - MICHIGAN SECRETARY OF STATE

The Ruth Report

January-February Edition 2014

New initiatives to shorten lines, offer even more convenience

Dear Friend, We hit the ground running in 2014, announcing several new initiatives to really rev up our customer service. The first is our MI-Time Line service, which will be piloted in our 10 busiest Secretary of State branch offices. The service allows customers With Marcee Purcell, Paul Muxlow, Phil Potvin, and Elaine Richardson at a Michigan Association of County Clerks event. to check in with us remotely by phone, computer, or at a branch kiosk to hold their place in line. Then, customers can stay home or run errands and well hold their place for them and even text or email them when their turn is coming up. In some cases, customers can even make appointments via the system. So far, the feedback has been very positive. Another new effort is offering Its time to get your tabs and Its time to vote! text and email reminders for customers. We all lead busy lives and I hear from many customers who forget to get their tabs until the last moment and spend at least part of their birthday with us. Just sign up for the text or email reminders at www.michigan.gov/sos. Click on the red envelope to sign up. And dont forget, you can get your tabs with our Print-n-Go service at ExpressSOS.com. You can buy tabs online and print off a proof-of-purchase to carry until your tabs arrive in the mail. Its just one of a number of steps weve taken to improve service and shorten lines changes like ExpressSOS.com, which allows customers to do our most popular services online. To date, weve had more than four million transactions handled online, not in line, with ExpressSOS.com. Off to go plow our street (again!). Wishing you and your families a wonderful Pure Michigan winter. Its been a bit challenging ... but stay warm!

SOS SPOTLIGHT

Secretary of State partners with Big Brothers Big Sisters to help teen drivers
A new pilot program with the Big Brothers Big Sisters Michigan Capital Region is aimed at helping teens become better drivers, keeping the roads safer for everyone. Under the pilot program, volunteers with Big Brothers Big Sisters will be coaching their Little Brothers and Little Sisters so they can get real, behind-thewheel experience as part of their drivers permit requirements. Vehicle crashes are the No. 1 cause of death for young people in America, claiming about 3,000 lives annually or eight teens every day. We all remember that special person who taught us how to drive, whether it was our parent, grandparent, a neighbor or friend said Secretary Johnson, who said her dad taught her to drive in his old red Valiant. She applauded the Big Brother and Big Sister volunteers for their work. See full press release here.

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NEWS AND HEADLINES:

Livonia Secretary of State Office to pilot program to reduce waste time - Jan. 24 Observer & Eccentric Get in Secretary of State line online - Jan. 22, WOOD-TV

Secretary of State trying virtual lines - Jan. 23, Public Radio 90 New Michigan Secretary of State system calls or texts when its your turn - Jan. 22, Detroit Free Press Ruth Johnson: Partnership will teach kids safe driving
Jan. 15, Lansing State Journal

Michigan texts, emails tab reminders - Jan. 20, Fox2 Detroit

Michigan Secretary of State employees go the extra mile (in the snow!)
From Ruth: Just a quick note to commend our employees who went above and beyond during January snowstorms that shut down parts of Michigan. For the first time in more than 30 years, we were forced to shut down offices in two dozen counties. Many of our employees went to extraordinary means to do what they could one staff member picked up snowed-in coworkers in her four-wheel drive vehicle, one stayed overnight near her office so she could open it and many staff members worked at home to support offices that could open. I am very proud of our staff and their commitment to public service.

ELECTION REMINDER: Feb. 25, 2014

School districts and municipalities in 50 counties will be holding elections on Feb. 25. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. To find out if there is an election in your area, visit:

Photo Gallery

At a special reception for Big Brothers Big Sisters. What a wonderful organization. Very happy to partner with them on a teen driving project.

Invited to serve as the honorary co-chairperson of Oakland Universitys basketball homecoming celebration! What a wonderful weekend and the Grizzlies won in the last few seconds of the game.

A big thanks to the Washtenaw County GOP for their warm reception which even included a surprise birthday cake. A great visit!

Left: With James B. Franklin III at the Flint Rotary meeting. Right, with Jerry Hill. I appreciated their hospitality! With Bud Prottengeier, celebrating his 90th birthday and all he has done for disadvantaged children in the Flint and Bendle area.

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Had a great time at the Fourth District Roundup. Here with Gladys Mitchell and Russ Alwood.

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(Paid for by Ruth Johnson for Michigan, P.O. Box 21, Davisburg, MI 48350)