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Virginia Secretary of State
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Current officeholder
The current officeholder is Janet Polarek. She was first appointed to the statewide post by Gov. Bob McDonnell and was sworn into office on January 24, 2012.[1]
Qualifications
The state constitution specifies that requirements for this office will be "prescribed by law."[2]
Appointments
Title 2.2, Chapter 4 of the Code of Virginia sets the term of the secretary. The position shall be filled by gubernatorial appointment, with confirmation by the state assembly "for a term commencing on the Monday after the third Wednesday in January" after the governor's inauguration. The secretary serves a term of four years.[3]
Vacancies
In the event of a vacancy in the office of secretary, state code requires the governor to appoint a successor, subject to confirmation from the state assembly, to serve the remainder of the unexpired term.[3]
Duties
- Serving as the keeper of the Seal of the Commonwealth
- Assisting the governor in the appointment of thousands of individuals to serve on state boards and commissions
- Issuing the Commissions of Notaries Public
- Authentication of documents
- Registering lobbyists
- Issuing the "Bluebook", officially "The Report of the Secretary of the Commonwealth," an annual publication that identifies, "(a) the boards of visitors of all public institutions, and other boards appointed by the Governor; (b) all commissions issued under appointments made by the Governor, except commissions to notaries public; (c) all departments, boards, councils, commissions, and other collegial bodies created in the executive branch of state government; and (d) such other matters as the Governor requires. " - The Report as defined by the Code of Virginia
- Issuing a State Government Organization Chart
- Handling pardons and clemencies, restoration of civil rights of former felons, extradition, and service of process. Although the Secretary is involved, the Governor is responsible for granting pardons, clemency, and restorations of rights, as well as authorizing extradition. The Secretary of the Commonwealth's Office handles the paperwork on behalf of the Governor.
Compensation
Under state code, the compensation of the secretary is fixed by law. In 2011, the Virginia Secretary of the Commonwealth was paid an estimated $152,793, according to the Council of State Governments.[4]
Contact Information
Physical Address:
Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth
1111 East Broad Street, 4th Floor
Richmond, Virginia 23219
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 2454
Richmond, VA 23218
Phone: (804) 786-2441
E-mail: socmail@governor.virginia.gov
See also
- Janet Polarek, Virginia Secretary of State
- Governor of Virginia
- Lieutenant Governor of Virginia
- Attorney General of Virginia
- Virginia Constitution
External links
References
- ↑ Virginia Secretary of the Commonwealth, "Janet Vestal Polarek biography," accessed February 8, 2012
- ↑ Constitution of Virginia, Article V, Section 10
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Code of Virginia, "Title 2.2: Administration of Government, Chapter 4, Section 100, "Appointment and term of office; filling vacancies; oath," accessed February 8, 2012
- ↑ Council of State Governments, "Table 4.11 Selected state administrative officials: Annual salaries by region," retrieved February 1, 2012
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