 | |
| Department overview | |
|---|---|
| Formed | October 6, 1835 |
| Type | State department |
| Jurisdiction | State of Michigan |
| Headquarters | Lansing, Michigan |
| Department executive |
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| Key document | |
| Website | www |
The Michigan Department of State is administered by the Secretary of State, who is elected on a partisan ballot for a term of four years in gubernatorial elections. The incumbent secretary of state is Jocelyn Benson, a Democrat elected in 2018 and 2022.
The secretary of state is the third-highest official in the State of Michigan.[1] As the name implies, the officeholder was originally responsible for much of state government, but now the duties are similar to those of the other 46 secretaries of states across the United States. If the governor and lieutenant governor are both absent from the state, or the offices are concurrently vacant for some other reason, the secretary of state serves as acting governor.
In Michigan, the secretary of state is not only responsible for elections, but also oversees vehicle registration and the licensing of automobile drivers, similar to a motor vehicles regulator in other states. The officeholder also oversees and regulates notaries public and is the keeper of the Great Seal of Michigan.[2][3]
Under state law, the secretary of state must have at least one office in each of Michigan's 83 counties.[4]
- ^ About the Michigan Department of State (Michigan.gov)
- ^ 2011-2012 Michigan Manual: Chapter IV—The Executive Branch: Department of State
- ^ MCL 11.4 Secretary of state; duties.
- ^ MCL 257.205 Secretary of state; office and branch offices; establishment; employees; bond; liability for loss of money; person appointed to conduct branch office; compensation and expenses.