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WSW: Secretary of State Ruth Johnson Hopes for Four More Years

WMUK

Ruth Johnson says she would like to spend the next four years following through on pilot projects launched in her first term.

Johnson was elected in 2010. The Republican is seeking another four years as Secretary of State. The position is responsible for vehicle registration and elections administration in Michigan. Johnson sat down with WMUK's Gordon Evans recently when she was in Kalamazoo. A summary:

New Projects

Johnson says she is working to make it easier to renew vehicle registrations over the Internet. She says that includes new "print and go" technology which allows people to print out a receipt that shows their registration is up to date. Johnson says she's also worked to improve disclosure of campaign finance. She says that includes a pilot program which allows local officials to use the state system so their campaign finance reports are available on line. Johnson has also launched an effort to crack down on auto insurance fraud. 

Vehicle Registration

Online registration is a "three-for" according to Johnson. She says it's more convenient for people to register that way. It reduces lines for people who do business in person, and helps staff at Secretary of State branch offices. Johnson says the express option allows people to register online even close to the deadline (license plate registration expires on the birthday of the owner). She says they're also working with libraries to provide computesr for Secretary of State services. Computer kiosks have also been added at AAA offices in Michigan.

Financial Disclosure

Johnson says she would like "every single penny" contributed to political campaigns disclosed. Her proposed rule changes to require disclosure of funding behind so-called "issue ads" was effectively nullified by the state Senate. Johnson says she "didn't get everything I want," but says she will continue to work for more disclosure. But Johnson says the Legislature would have to take up any additional changes. 

Voting

Asked about different methods of voting, Johnson says she's open to some ideas for expanding voting. She says "we're not ready" for voting over the Internet because it's not secure.  Johnson favors "no reason absentee" voting, which she says would essentially give voters 45 days to cast their ballot.  Johnson says that will also be up to the Legislature, but believes it will be supported by lawmakers. Johnson says cleaning up the state's "Qualified Voter File" makes it easier to explore other methods of voting. She says an examination found over 100,000 people who were registered in Michigan and another state. But Johnson says removing names from the voter rolls won't result in qualified voters being turned away from the polls. The Secretary of State website has information for voters about registration, and sample ballots. 

ruthjohnson100614-web.mp3
Interview with Ruth Johnson - web version

Discussion of other issues can be heard in the web version of the interview:

Driver Responsibility Fees 

The state has phased out driver responsibility fees. Johnson says she's glad to see the fees come to an end. She says it charges drivers "twice for the same mistake." Johnson says the fees did not make roads any safer, but were used as a way to generate more revenue for the state. 

Auto Insurance Fraud

Johnson appointed a task force to examine auto insurance fraud. She says they found it rampant and wide-spread fraud throughout the state. Johnson says people have bought auto insurance only to find out they aren't covered. She says the state has brought down the rates through more vigilant verification at Secretary of State offices and through law enforcement agencies. 

Organ Donation

Michigan has gone from one of the worst in the nation to among the best for organ donors, according to Johnson. She says the Secretary of State has worked to make it convenient for people who do want to become organ donors.  

Gordon Evans became WMUK's Content Director in 2019 after more than 20 years as an anchor, host and reporter. A 1990 graduate of Michigan State, he began work at WMUK in 1996.
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