The Secretary of State is responsible for overseeing statewide elections as well as the statewide voter registration system. They are also in charge of licensing businesses and organizations to operate in Michigan. They also archive documents and act as notaries.
Eligibility requirements
To be eligible for this office a person must be a registered and qualified elector of this state by the date the person is nominated.
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FAQ
How often is Secretary of State elected?
The position of Secretary of State is typically elected every 4 years.
What does it mean for an election to be partisan?
Partisan elections require candidates to declare a party affiliation, like Democrat, Republican, Libertarian, or Independent.
What are the filing requirements to get on the ballot in MI?
Filing fee is $0; Signature requirement is 0 for Republican, Democratic, and minor party candidates and 12,000-24,000 signatures for candidates without a political affiliation.
Where do I submit my candidate paperwork?
Submit paperwork to the Secretary of State's office.
Where is the filing office?
Michigan Department of State, Bureau of Elections PO Box 20126 Lansing, MI 48901-0726.
How can I get in touch with the filing office?
You can contact the filing office by calling 517-335-3234.
How do I get started running for Secretary of State?
You can start running for Secretary of State by checking to ensure you meet all filing deadlines and requirements. Next, you can prepare to file for office and start planning your campaign strategy. Get in touch with our team of campaign experts for help with any step of the campaign process!
Is there a primary or runoff election for this office?
The next election for Secretary of State includes a primary, but not a runoff election.
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