Election Duties and Legal Authorities
The Secretary serves as the chief election officer and maintains records of transactions, issues licenses, registers corporations, and administers elections. The office registers corporations for business formation, and the legislature expanded the authority over time. Elected every four years, the Secretary also serves on the Board of Public Works.
Appointment and Eligibility
If vacant, the governor fills by appointment. The appointee serves until a new commissioner gets elected. To become eligible for election, one must be a 5-year resident entitled to vote.
Business Registration in West Virginia
You must register your agent to do business in West Virginia. Businesses may use two types of registered agents:
- An individual working fewer than 30 days yearly who will get extraterritorial coverage.
- A company that does not need extra insurance.
The West Virginia secretary of state is the smallest constitutional office in the state physically, fiscally, and in terms of staff number.