What the Secretary of State Does for You
Duties and Responsibilities of the Office
- Overseeing Elections
- Managing Legislative Documents
- Organizing State Records
Overseeing Elections
The Secretary of State is the Chief Elections Officer
All statewide elections are directed from this office, with election results filed here. Candidates’ campaign reports are also on file.
The Secretary of State is the Chairman of the State Board of Elections
The Board of Elections is a seven-member bi-partisan board, including two county auditors. The Secretary of State serves as Chairman of this board.
The Secretary of State is a Member of the State Board of Canvassers
Official canvasses of all statewide elections are a duty of this office, with the Secretary of State serving on the canvassing board.
Managing Legislative Documents
The Secretary of State is the Custodian of Official Public Documents
Any official document which must be retained is filed in this office. This includes gubernatorial appointments to boards, commissions, and agency offices.
The Secretary of State is the Legislative Records Keeper
All legislative documents are filed in this office following close of the session. This includes bills, journals, and Senate confirmations.
The Secretary of State is the Lobbyist Registrar
The Secretary of State registers anyone who will serve as a lobbyist during the legislative session.
Organizing State Records
The Secretary of State is the Notary Public
Serving notaries and the public by expeditiously filing accurate public records.
The Secretary of State is the Recorder of Permits for Concealed Weapons
Permits to carry concealed weapons are issued by this office upon authorization of the local sheriff. Information on permits is available here.
The Secretary of State is the Trade and Service Marks Registrar
Serving trademark holders and the public by expeditiously filing accurate public records.
The Secretary of State is the Agent of Service of Process
The secretary of state accepts service of process on non-resident motorists and corporations who have failed to maintain a registered agent.
The Secretary of State is the Corporations Administrator
Mission: To efficiently and accurately process and maintain corporate documents and to provide courteous and friendly one-on-one assistance to corporate owners as well as the public. Both non-profit and for-profit corporations must be registered with the secretary of state’s office. Out-of-state corporations must be registered before doing business in this state.
The Secretary of State is the Secretary, State Board of Finance
The state Board of Finance is composed of the Governor, Secretary of State, Attorney General, State Auditor, State Treasurer, Commissioner of School and Public Lands, Commissioner of the Bureau of Administration and Commissioner of the Bureau of Finance and Management. The Secretary of State serves as the secretary.
The Board of Finance sets the per diem rates available for South Dakota state employees. New state employees and state employees required to transfer to a new location may receive a household moving allowance when that allowance is approved by their supervisor and the State Board of Finance.
The Secretary of State oversees the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) and Effective Financing Statements (EFS)
Utilizing available technology to simplify and provide efficient service.
The Secretary of State oversees Limited Partnerships
Domestic and foreign certificates of limited partnership are filed with this office.