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Welcome to the Ruth Johnson for Secretary of State website

This month, Senator John Pappageorge and I presented two moms who lost their sons in U.S. military service with the first two Gold Star Family license plates. The ceremony took place at the Gus Harrison Correctional Facility in Adrian, where the plates are made. Pictured with us are Valerie May of Midland and Carol Johnson of Howell.

Supporters and Friends,

Six months into my term as Secretary of State, we are moving forward toward our goals of ensuring clean and fair elections, delivering the best possible service at the lowest possible price and fighting for common sense reforms to best serve the people of the State of Michigan.

There have been challenges, from the state's computer crash that shut down not just our operations but computers in various agencies across the state to the day-to-day battle against old ways of thinking and spending. Special interest groups continue to try to chip away at election integrity. Not on my watch.

But there have been some hard-fought successes too. We ARE cleaning up the voter rolls to crack down on non-citizens, "dead" voters and wrongdoers who are voting in more than one state. We have gone after election law violators, including former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick who owes nearly $1 million for campaign finance violations. We are pushing to add online services and get a $27.5 million computer system - that to date has NEVER even been turned on - up and running. We are working as hard as we can to reduce unacceptable wait times in our branch offices. Organ donation registrants? Up 20 percent in May and 25 percent in June.

Your support has been critical. Many of you have taken the time to contact me and our office directly and I've really appreciated your thoughts and suggestions. I would encourage you to keep them coming.

Ruth Johnson
Secretary of State

Here is a quick update of our efforts:

PROTECTING ELECTIONS

Cleaning the Voter Rolls

According to a 2008 report by the Pew Center on the States, Michigan had an impossible 102.54% voter registration. We are using cutting-edge computer technology as a means to identify and remove out-of-state voters and deceased voters from the rolls to reduce the potential for fraud.

Tightening up Elections

We have proposed expanding photo ID requirements in the absentee ballot process to reduce the potential for fraud. We will be launching a comprehensive training program, establishing new procedures for election workers, instituting post-election audits and security to ensure every vote counts.

Going After Violators

Today's campaign finance laws for those who don't file on time or at all are a mere slap on the wrist. We have a comprehensive legislative package proposed to put more teeth into our election laws to punish those -from any party - who do not follow the rules. Just recently, we filed a complaint against former City of Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick for nearly $1 million in campaign finance violations for misuse of campaign funds.

We have also established an Election Crimes Unit that will work with the Attorney General's office to investigate election crime.

Ruth riding to her first Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month press conference in Lansing last May.

IMPROVING SERVICE

Branch Survey Program

Statewide volunteers recently conducted a survey of branch offices -- anonymously -- to help assess what is and is not working at the branch offices, especially in light of nearly 20 percent reduction in staff. A big thank you to volunteers who looked at everything from wait times (as long as 1-3 hours in our initial assessment, which is unacceptable) to the service provided by branch employees. Was it courteous? Was it professional?

Public-Private and Public-Public Partnerships

We are looking into business storefronts where we could offer services to reduce customer lines in our branch offices. This could range from offering vehicle tab renewals at car dealerships to a kiosk in your local grocery store as well as many other possibilities. We are also working with the Michigan State Police to share office space and secure computer lines in light of State Police post closings.

Security/Best Business Practices

In addition to a cash-handling task force, we must improve outdated security and identity protection measures in our branch offices. We have enlisted the help of business and industry experts from around the state to assist us with implementing best business practices as part of our new Business Roundtable.

CUTTING COSTS

Within weeks of taking office, I agreed to cut $2.1 million (20%) from my general fund allocation. I am listening to staff and customers to find creative, cost-effective ways to streamline our operations. I am continuing to consolidate unnecessary administrative office space (savings $150,000); use up my predecessor's letterhead (savings: $50,000); consolidate school elections to save money and improve voter turnout; and reduce ballot print costs which saved one county alone $160,000 for one election.

In addition, a new Mobile Office has begun work across the state bringing a full-service branch to a local community near you. To save money, staff fixed up an abandoned trailer found in a state warehouse and transferred over equipment from the old unit, such as the camera, printers, and modem. When the dust cleared, the new Mobile Office represents a savings of $75,000 over creating an identical unit.

A message from Secretary of State Ruth Johnson regarding campaign financial disclosure:

To My Colleagues, Friends & Supporters,

As part of our ongoing efforts to promote transparency and accountability in elections, I want to share financial reports for two of my own political funds - the Ruth Johnson Administrative Fund, a 527 account, and a Brighter Michigan, a 501-C4 which is used to fund civic projects and initiatives.

While not required by law, I feel it is important to disclose information so my supporters - and the residents of Michigan - know exactly who is donating money to our efforts and how much. These reports will be disclosed quarterly. To see the reports, click here.

Thank you for your continued encouragement, commitment and support!

Sincerely,

Ruth