Michigan Secretary of State
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The Michigan secretary of state is third in the governor of Michigan line of succession and acts in that capacity if both the office of governor and lieutenant governor of Michigan are vacant or if both are temporarily out of the state.
Current officeholder
The current officeholder is Ruth Johnson (R). She was elected in 2010, with her term expiring in 2014.
Qualifications
Here is a list of the standard qualifications necessary under Michigan State Law in order to be considered for the Office of Secretary of State:
- To be eligible for the office of Secretary of State or Attorney General a person:
- Must be a registered and qualified elector of the State of Michigan on the date he or she is nominated for the office
- Must not be convicted of a violation of section 12a(1) of 1941 PA 370, MCL 38.412a or may not be eligible for a period of 20 years after conviction [1]
Elections
The Secretary of State for Michigan is an elected position. Elections are held every four years. Term limits are detailed in Article V, Section 30 of the Michigan Constitution. The Secretary is limited to two terms in office. This amendment was made in 1992 and took effect in 1993.
Vacancies
Vacancy appointments are addressed under Article V, Section 21.
Whenever the secretary of state's office is vacant the governor fills the position by appointment.
Electoral history
2002
- 2002 Race for Secretary of State - Republican Primary
- Terri Lynn Land ran unopposed in this contest
| 2002 Race for Secretary of State - General Election [2] | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | Vote Percentage | |
| Republican Party |  a Terri Lynn Land
| 55.0% | |
| Democratic Party | Melvin Hollowell | 43.0% | |
| Green Party | Ray Ziarno | 1.2% | |
| U.S. Taxpayers | Charles Conces | 0.8% | |
| Total Votes | 3,099,208 | ||
2006
- 2006 Race for Secretary of State - Republican Primary
- Terri Lynn Land ran unopposed in this contest
| 2006 Race for Secretary of State - General Election [3] | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | Vote Percentage | |
| Republican Party | a Terri Lynn Land
| 56.2% | |
| Democratic Party | Carmella Sabaugh | 42.0% | |
| Green Party | Lynn Meadows | 1.8% | |
| Total Votes | 3,721,910 | ||
2010
| 2010 Race for Attorney General - General Election [4] | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | Vote Percentage | |
| Republican Party | a Ruth Johnson
| 50.7% | |
| Democratic Party | Jocelyn Benson | 45.2% | |
| Libertarian Party | Scotty Boman | 1.8% | |
| U.S. Taxpayers | Robert Gale | 1.3% | |
| Green Party | John A. La Pietra | 1.0% | |
| Total Votes | 3,173,248 | ||
Duties
In Michigan, the secretary of state is not only responsible for elections like most other states' secretaries of state, but also oversees vehicle registration and the licensing of automobile drivers, similar to a Department of Motor Vehicles in other states. The Michigan secretary of state also oversees and regulates notaries public. Because of its drivers licensing and vehicle registration functions, the Michigan secretary of state has dozens of offices statewide and interacts with state residents more than any other organ of state government.
Campaign finance discipline
The Secretary of State Michigan is responsible for prosecuting all civil violations under the state's campaign finance laws. The first step in filing a complaint is to file with the Secretary of State as the Secretary of State is responsible for investigating all campaign finance law violations. It is up to the Secretary of State's Office to resolve all complaints first without any legal action. [5] If there is no resolution, the Secretary of State can render civil judgment against a campaign through an administrative hearing. [6]
All criminal law violations are prosecuted by the Attorney General of Michigan. [7]
Compensation
Article V, Section 23 of the Michigan Constitution defines the method by which the secretary of state's compensation is set:
|
The governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state and attorney general shall each receive the compensation provided by law in full payment for all services performed and expenses incurred during his term of office. Such compensation shall not be changed during the term of office except as otherwise provided in this constitution. |
In 2010, the Michigan Secretary of State was paid an estimated $124,900 according to the Council of State Governments.[8]
Contact Information
Capitol Address:
Michigan Department of State
7064 Crowner Drive
Lansing, MI 48918
Toll Free Phone: 1-888-767-6424
E-mail: secretary@michigan.gov
See also
- Terri Lynn Land, Michigan Secretary of State
- Governor of Michigan
- Lieutenant Governor of Michigan
- Attorney General of Michigan
- Michigan Constitution
External links
References
- ↑ Michigan Complied Laws 168.71
- ↑ Department of State - 2002 General Election Results
- ↑ Department of State - 2006 General Election Results
- ↑ Michigan Department of State - 2010 General Election Results
- ↑ Michigan Legislature "Michigan Campaign Finance Act of 1976"(Referenced Statute 169.215(10))
- ↑ Michigan Legislature "Michigan Campaign Finance Act of 1976"(Referenced Statute 169.215(11))
- ↑ Michigan Legislature "Michigan Campaign Finance Act of 1976"(Referenced Statute 169.215(11))
- ↑ The Council of State Governments,"The Book of States 2010 Table 4.11," retrieved June 25, 2011
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