The Great Seal

The California Secretary of State, one of California’s original constitutional offices. It is a diverse agency, whose functions provide the basis for a democratic society and the orderly conduct of business.

The Secretary of State is the chief election officer of the state, and the Elections Division is responsible for the administration and enforcement of election laws. The Political Reform Division files and makes available for public inspection all state-level campaign and lobbying registration and financial disclosure information, and produces the Lobbyist Directory. The Business Programs Division receives and files documents associated with corporations and limited partnerships, and commissions notaries public.

The Archives & Museum Division ensures the preservation of documents and records having historical significance at the State Archives, and the California Museum for History, Women and the Arts promotes an understanding of California history through a range of dynamic educational programs. The Management Services Division facilitates the agency’s internal administrative functions and conducts the Safe At Home Program that provides confidential address services to victims of domestic abuse and stalking, and patients and staff of reproductive health clinics. The Information Technology Division coordinates the application of computers and networked information to the challenges of providing effective public service.