The Office of the Secretary of State was established in 1889 with the adoption of the Washington State Constitution. The Secretary of State (SOS) is an elected position with a four-year term and is the chief elections officer, chief corporations officer, and supervisor of the state archives. Key responsibilities of the SOS include supervising state and local elections, certifying the results of state primaries and general elections, producing and distributing the state voter pamphlet, and collecting and maintaining state historical records.
The SOS's executive office employs an Assistant Secretary of State and Deputy Secretary of State. These executive positions are authorized by the SOS to perform any act or duty relating to the Office of the Secretary of State, and the SOS is responsible for the acts of the Assistant Secretary of State and Deputy Secretary of State.
The Chief of Staff position within the Office of the Secretary of State is codified in statute. The Assistant Secretary of State, Deputy Secretary of State, and Chief of Staff are explicitly given signing authority on behalf of the SOS.
PRO.: This bill codifies the Chief of Staff position within the Office of the Secretary of State. No new position is created, this bill only adds signing authority.