Secretary of State of Rhode Island

The Secretary of the State of Rhode Island is an elected office in the U.S. state of Rhode Island. As of 2008, the current Secretary of State is A. Ralph Mollis.

The Office of the Secretary of State is composed of five separate divisions:

* [http://www.sec.state.ri.us/elections The Elections and Civics Division] prepares ballots, ensures accessibility of voting facilities, qualifies and certifies the names of all federal and state candidates for ballot placement, maintains a database of registered voters, and ensures compliance with the Help America Vote Act. Administration of elections and and compliance with campaign finance laws is the responsibility of a separate state agency, the [http://www.elections.ri.gov/default.htm Rhode Island Board of Elections] .
* [http://www.sec.state.ri.us/corps The Corporations Division] is responsible for a wide range of business-related legal documents and filings, including formation of corporations and other business entities, liens and security interests under the Uniform Commercial Code, registration of notaries public, apostilles, trademarks and service marks, registration of businesses conducting games of chance, and various other documents required by state law.
* [http://www.sec.state.ri.us/pubinfo The Public Information Division] accepts many filings required to be made with Secretary of State, including Lobbying Disclosures, Public Meeting Notices and Minutes, Disclosure of State Government Consultants and Appointments to Boards and Commissions, and other government information. This division also publishes the [http://www.sec.state.ri.us/pubinfo/rigom0708/rigom07.html Rhode Island Government Owner's Manual] , which gives a broad overview of various government offices and officials.
* [http://www.sec.state.ri.us/Archives The Rhode Island State Archives] is the official custodian and trustee for public records of permanent historical value.
* [http://www.sec.state.ri.us/library The Rhode Island State Library] , which was created in 1852 by a General Assembly resolution as part of the office of the Secretary of State. Its purpose is to assist members of the General Assembly with research on the preparation of proposed legislation. The State Library also includes a law library. [ [http://www.sec.state.ri.us/library/lawslegislation/lawslegdesc RI State Library,Law and Legislation Section] ]

References

External links

* [http://www.sec.state.ri.us/ Office of the Rhode Island Secretary of State, official homepage]