Grand Rapids Reporter

A significant milestone was reached in the number of people who received help from the state government's self-service machines installed by Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson. The three-millionth transaction was conducted at a self-service station earlier this month. 

Benson stressed the importance of these kiosks and what they have been able to accomplish. "Michiganders have always deserved convenient, efficient service from their secretary of state, and that's what we are delivering with more services available from home and at grocery stores, and office visits that take an average of 20 minutes or less," she said a press release issued by her office. 

Benson visited all of the agency's offices and kiosks in 2019 after she was sworn in, according to the release. She found that the majority of the 90 kiosks were broken or not usable. She took the initiative to repair them and replace them with new self-service stations through a partnership with a private company. Because of the partnership, the self-service kiosks cost the state nothing. 

In total, 160 new machines were installed in grocery stores that are open on evenings and weekends, making them easily accessible for Michigan residents, the release said. These self-service stations save residents a trip to the secretary of state's office, making an impact on the lives of residents. 

At the self-service kiosks, residents can print vehicle registrations, tabs, and temporary driver's licenses at the station. The stations accept credit cards and cash and can communicate in multiple languages, including French and Pashto, according to the release. They have become hugely popular in the state. 

In addition to increasing the number of machines available for self-service, Benson has also doubled the number of services that are available on the machines, giving them more utility. The services are available online as well. More than 60%of transactions are now conducted without an office visit, up from 28% in 2018, the release said.