Secretary Of State Virginia

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The role of the Secretary of State in Virginia, officially known as the Secretary of the Commonwealth, is a critical position within the state’s executive branch. As of February 2026, Candi King serves in this important governmental role, bringing her expertise to a position with deep historical significance and diverse responsibilities.

The Essence of the Role

In Virginia, the Secretary of the Commonwealth is an appointed position with a unique set of duties that extend far beyond traditional administrative work. Appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the state assembly, the secretary serves a four-year term and plays a pivotal role in supporting the state’s governance.

Key Responsibilities

The Secretary of the Commonwealth manages a wide array of critical state functions, including:

• Appointments: Facilitating selections to state boards and commissions
• Document Authentication: Verifying and authenticating documents for international use
• Executive Clemency: Processing and reviewing pardon petitions
• Extradition Management: Handling interstate extradition requests
• Notary Public Commissioning: Overseeing the certification of notaries in Virginia
• Civil Rights Restoration: Managing the process of restoring civil rights

Unique Aspects of the Position

What sets the Virginia Secretary of the Commonwealth apart is its multifaceted nature. Beyond administrative duties, the role includes being a direct liaison to Virginia’s 11 state-recognized Native American tribes and serving as an ex officio secretary to the Governor.

Organizational Structure and Budget

For the fiscal year 2026, the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s office operates with a budget of 3,161,712</strong>. The current officeholder, Candi King, receives an annual compensation of <strong>209,190, reflecting the significant responsibilities of the position.

Historical Context

Virginia has a rich history with this position, having had 66 Secretaries of the Commonwealth since 1607. The role has evolved significantly over centuries, adapting to the changing needs of state governance and public service.

The ongoing work of the Secretary of the Commonwealth continues to be vital in maintaining the administrative integrity and public service efficiency of Virginia’s state government.