Secretary of State of Texas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Secretary of State of Texas |
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Seal of the Texas secretary of state
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 Jane Nelson since January 5, 2023 |
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| Appointer | The governor with Senate advice and consent |
| Formation | March 18, 1836 |
| First holder | Samuel Price Carson |
The Secretary of State of Texas is a very important job in the government of the U.S. state of Texas. This person is one of six main leaders in the state's executive branch. The Governor of Texas chooses this person, and the Texas Senate must agree with the choice.
The Secretary of State acts as the state's main elections officer. They also handle official events for the state and international guests. This person helps the Governor with important matters related to Mexico and areas along the border.
The main offices for the Secretary of State are in Austin, Texas. You can find them in the James Earl Rudder State Office Building. This building handles business filings, public records, and other official documents. The elections office is also located here.
What the Secretary of State Does
The Texas Constitution says that the Secretary of State is part of the state's Executive Department. This group includes the Governor, the Lieutenant Governor, the Comptroller, the Commissioner of the General Land Office, and the Attorney General. Unlike the others, who are chosen by voters, the Governor picks the Secretary of State. The Texas Senate then has to approve this choice.
The Secretary of State is in charge of Texas elections. This means they help make sure elections are fair and follow the rules. They also keep many important public records for the state.
Another key role is being the "keeper of the Seal of the State of Texas." This official seal is used on important state documents. The Secretary of State also gives official permission to people who want to become notaries public. Notaries are people who can legally witness signatures on documents.
History of the Office
The first person to hold the job of Secretary of State in Texas was Stephen F. Austin. He is often called the "Father of Texas." President Sam Houston chose him for this role in 1836, when Texas was still its own country, the Republic of Texas.
Texas became a state of the United States in 1845. Since then, more than 100 different people have served as the Secretary of State for Texas.
See also
- List of secretaries of state of Texas
- List of company registers
