The primary responsibility of the secretary is to serve as the chief election officer. The West Virginia secretary of state is the smallest constitutional office in the state physically, fiscally, and in terms of staff number. The duties of the office are extensive.
If the office becomes vacant, the governor fills the position by appointment. The appointee serves until a new commissioner gets elected. To get elected, one must be entitled to vote as a 5-year state resident.
The Secretary of State maintains records of real estate transactions, issues licenses, registers corporations, and administers elections. The Secretary also keeps legal actions filed in state courts.
You must register your agent to do any business in West Virginia. There are two types of registered agents that businesses may use:
- In-State Agent
- Out-of-State Agent
An individual employed out of state but working fewer than 30 days in West Virginia yearly will get extraterritorial coverage. The company does not need extra insurance.
The legislature has expanded the authority of the Secretary of State over time. Elected every four years, the Secretary serves on the Board of Public Works with the governor and other officers.
The Secretary of State implements electronic filing and disclosure of campaign and lobbyist finances.