Latest news with #ofState
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Michigan Department of State: 200K REAL IDs issued in past few months
A Secretary of State branch office in East Lansing, Michigan | Susan J. Demas The push to get Michiganders' identification cards replaced with federally-compliant REAL ID cards has resulted in 200,000 IDs issued to residents over a period of three months, the Michigan Department of State announced Friday. Department employees either issued new or upgraded REAL IDs over the past 12 weeks, bringing the state into more than 76% compliance with a new U.S. requirement for REAL ID in order to travel domestically by air. A REAL ID is a driver's license or state identification card that has been verified with proof of U.S. citizenship and proof of legal residence in the U.S. They are distinguishable by the gold star in the upper right-hand corner. Per a change in federal law, Michigan residents as of May 7 are required to present a REAL ID-complaint card when attempting to fly anywhere in the U.S. The IDs also allow entrance to certain federal facilities as allowed by federal law. Overall, the IDs have protections against copying or altering identification information. REAL IDs are different from Michigan's enhanced IDs and driver's licenses, which allow entry to and from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or the Caribbean by land or sea. Enhanced IDs, however, are also REAL ID compliant. A news release issued Friday said Secretary of State branch offices served more than 90% of those customers within 20 minutes of their scheduled appointment times, signaling that the transition has been relatively smooth thus far. 'The hardworking staff at our branch offices throughout the state rose to this challenge and set a new standard of exceptional public service,' Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson said in a statement. 'I'm grateful for their dedication and commitment to excellence, which ensured a smooth process for Michiganders during a potentially disruptive transition. This is what it means to have a state government that truly works for people.' A total of 202,571 REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses or state IDs were issued between February 23 and May 17. The week of May 4 was said to be the busiest this year, with 28,289 identification cards converted to REAL ID. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
State of Illinois grants help QCA school libraries with resources
School districts across Illinois are getting state funding to support libraries. Over $1.3 million was awarded to 2,484 Illinois public school libraries through the Secretary of State's School District Library Grant Program. Districts can use the funds for library books, e-books, audiobooks, periodicals, multilingual materials, technology and programs. 'It is vital we continue to ensure our school libraries have the tools and staff they need to uplift Illinois students,' said Sen. Mike Halpin (D-Rock Island). 'Our children's educations warrant access to the very best resources, reading materials and technology we have available. This money will bolster Western Illinois schools and help nurture bright young minds.' These school districts in the 36th District received a total of $27,792: Bushnell-Prairie City CUSD 170 – $850 East Moline School District 37 – $2,170 Silvis School District 34 – $850 United Township High School District 30 – $1,458 Galesburg CUSD 205 – $3,217 Hampton School District 29 – $850 Knoxville CUSD 202 – $850 Macomb CUSD 185 – $1,593 Moline-Coal Valley School District 40 – $5,912 Monmouth-Roseville CUSD 238 – $1,284 United CUSD 304 – $850 Orion Community Unit School District 223 – $850 Rock Island-Milan School District 41 – $5,086 Sherrard CUSD 200 – $1,118 Carbon Cliff-Barstow District 36 – $850 The grants are awarded once every fiscal year and support school library services for over one million students enrolled in kindergarten through 12th grade statewide. Data from the Illinois Library Association shows 67% of children ages 6-17 find books to read from libraries and children from low-income families are more likely to get books from school libraries. Schools with librarians have seen increased standardized testing reading scores and school librarians are a critical component for teaching digital literacy, online citizenship and internet safety. Click here to see a list of the libraries that received funding. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
How do I register to vote in Texas? Deadline is Thursday for May 3 elections
Thursday is the last day Texans can register to vote in the May local elections. This is an opportunity to vote for local leaders and issues. Here's your voter registration guide. Local elections in the Lone Star State are Saturday, May 3. According to the Texas Secretary of State, you can register to vote if you are: a U.S. citizen age 18 or older (or will be at the time of the election) a resident of the county where you submit the application not a convicted felon (though you may be eligible to vote if you have completed your sentence, probation and parole) not declared mentally incapacitated by a court of law. Remember: Texas does not offer online voter registration. However, there is an exception for those renewing, replacing or updating state IDs. If you're voting for the first time, the Texas Secretary of State provides three options: Complete an application using the Secretary of State's Online Voter Registration Application. Simply fill in the required information, print, sign and mail the completed application directly to your county election office. Request a printed application. The Secretary of State's office will mail a postage-paid voter registration application to the address provided. (However, this method would not arrive before Thursday's deadline.) Contact or visit your local Voter Registrar to complete the voter registration process. You can also register to vote online while renewing or replacing your Texas Driver's License or state identification card, or changing your contact information for either. Follow the steps listed on the Texas Department of Public Safety's web portal. When you register to vote or change your registration, you will be mailed a voter registration card. That card typically includes: your name your home address the address of the polling station where you will vote your party affiliation, if you listed one on your registration In Texas, if you're already registered to vote, you can update your mailing address online with the Texas Secretary of State's Office. Make sure you do so no later than Thursday. Visit the Texas Secretary of State website to check your voter registration status. When registering to vote in Texas, you'll want one of the seven acceptable forms of photo ID: Texas Driver's License issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Texas Election Identification Certificate issued by DPS Texas Personal Identification Card issued by DPS Texas Handgun License issued by DPS United States Military Identification Card containing your photograph United States Citizenship Certificate containing your photograph United States Passport (book or card) If you are 18 through 69, your photo ID cannot be expired for more than four years at the time you present it at the polling place, unless it is a birth certificate. For those 70 and older, an acceptable photo ID can be expired for any length of time. Yes. Those who don't have an acceptable photo ID and have barriers to getting one can fill out a Reasonable Impediment Declaration (RID) at the polls. These voters must also present an alternative form of ID, like a utility bill, bank statement, government checks or voter registration certificate. Thursday, April 3: Last day to register to vote or update address Tuesday, April 22: Early voting begins Tuesday, April 22: Last day counties can receive mail-in ballot requests Saturday, May 3: Election Day This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Texas May 2025 elections: Thursday the is last day to register to vote
Yahoo
18-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Mississippi businesses warned about misleading annual report mailers
JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – The Mississippi Secretary of State's Office is encouraging the business community to be cautious of misleading mailers. According to officials, the misleading mailers are being distributed by third-party entities urging Annual Report filings. These mailers typically request a fee and appear to be official government correspondence. All business owners should be sure to read the fine print because this correspondence is not authorized by the Mississippi Secretary of State's Office. Mississippi man arrested for stealing $1,500 worth of dog food As a reminder, domestic LLC owners can file annual reports on the Secretary of State's website at no cost. Annual reports are due by April 15 each year. Businesses may report deceptive or misleading solicitations to our office or the Mississippi Attorney General's Office. The Attorney General's Consumer Protection Hotline is 1-800-281-4418. For more information, please contact the Secretary of State's Business Services Division at customerservice@ or (601) 359-1633. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
28-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Illinois Secretary of State urges Illinoisans to double check if they need a REAL ID before heading to the DMV
CHICAGO — The REAL ID enforcement deadline is quickly approaching, but Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias is stressing that for some, it may be optional. The official deadline for REAL ID enforcement is May 7, but Giannoulias is encouraging people not to waste their time at the DMV unless they absolutely need one as the surge in demand has created long lines. Illinois Secretary of State clears up confusion about REAL ID as enforcement deadline approaches As the deadline looms, some may wonder whether they need a REAL ID, that is why Giannoulias has introduced a new designated 'Get a Real ID' portal on the Secretary of State website, which allows Illinoisans to determine if they need one before the deadline. The portal will also help people find a walk-in location or schedule an appointment nearby. Once the enforcement deadline arrives, a REAL ID-compliant ID will be needed to board domestic flights and visit certain federal facilities. Once the deadline passes, those who do not have a REAL ID may need to provide another form of identification, like a U.S. passport or military ID, to board a plane. However, while a REAL ID will serve as a driver's license, the updated ID will not be needed to drive, vote, apply for federal benefits like Social Security, enter a federal facility that does not require an ID, visit a hospital, or participate in law enforcement proceedings or investigations. Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines To accommodate the surge in REAL ID requests the Secretary of State's office also announced new Saturday hours at 12 DMV locations exclusively for REAL ID services and expanded Saturday hours at six DMV locations beginning March 1 through May 10. The following 12 locations will be open on Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and will exclusively accommodate ID requests: Addison, Aurora, Chicago West (7301 W. Lexington Ave.), Des Plaines, Elgin, Joliet, Lake Zurich, Melrose Park, Plano, St. Charles, Waukegan and Woodstock. The following six appointment-only DMV locations, which are currently open on Saturdays, will expand their operations for an additional five hours from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Chicago North (5401 N. Elston Ave.), Deerfield, Lombard, Naperville, Schaumburg and Springfield (Wabash Avenue). Appointments at these facilities must be made in advance. REAL IDs cost $30, the same amount as a standard driver's license. Visit the Secretary of State's Office website for the full REAL ID document checklist. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
