The Secretary of State is elected statewide to a four-year term. There is no limit to the number of terms that can be served. The only requirements to run for the office are that the candidate be a U.S. citizen, a registered voter, at least 30 years of age, and a resident of the state for the preceding seven years.
The Secretary of State runs the state's public records office and is responsible for the safeguarding of the originals of legislative acts and other documents. The Secretary of State is in charge of the Department of State. In this capacity the Secretary is in charge of all elections, compiles the State Administrative Code, which is a listing of state agency rules and regulations, licenses certain groups such as private detectives, and runs the State Library and Archives. Also within the Department are the Divisions of Historic Resources and Cultural Affairs.
HISTORY: Office of Secretary of State was created by the 1838 Constitution and was effective with Statehood in 1845. The Secretary was elected by a joint vote of the houses of the legislature. The 1861 Constitution again provided for election by the joint houses. The 1865 Constitution provided for election by the people. The 1868 Constitution provided for appointment by the Governor and confirmation by the Senate. The 1885 Constitution returned election to the people. The 1968 Constitution continued election by the people.
