About the Office
The Arizona Secretary of State's office is charged with a number of important state functions, including serving as acting governor when the governor is absent from the state. Like lieutenant governors in other states, the Secretary of State is first in line to succeed the governor in the event of death, resignation, or removal from office.
The highest profile duty of the office is oversight and administration of secure and accurate elections. The Secretary of State serves as Chief Election Officer for the State. One of the goals of the office is to register more voters and encourage their active participation in elections. As part of elections administration, the office certifies: voting devices, election results, candidates and measures to the ballot, as well as the results of statewide elections.
The Secretary of State is also an integral partner with the business community. The office is tasked with recording the partnerships of who those who do business in Arizona and we register trade names, trademarks and issue certificates of registration. We also register telemarketers and veterans' charitable organizations. The business services division also commissions notaries and certifies notarized documents going to foreign countries.
Our office performs a variety of administrative functions as well. We grant or deny use of the Great Seal of the state of Arizona, attest to all official acts of the Governor and affix the Seal on all official documents.
Preserving our state's great history and providing access to public information is a critical function of the Secretary of State. The Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records provides Arizonans access to information about their government, our state's history, and records from the past.
Our Address Confidentiality Program allows victims of domestic violence, sexual abuse or stalking to keep their residential addresses confidential by giving them a substitute address. This critical program is a key component to achieving safety for victims.
In addition, we are the filing office for campaign finance and expenditure reports made by lobbyists.
Citizens looking for information on legislative actions need to look no further than our office. We file chaptered bills, Senate and House memorials and resolutions and gubernatorial vetoes.
The duties of the Secretary of State are many, but our commitment to you remains the same: To provide you with efficient, friendly customer service.
