Secretary of State of New Jersey
The Secretary of State of New Jersey is a pivotal figure within the executive branch of the New Jersey state government. As one of the original state offices established in 1776, this role carries a legacy of administrative leadership and stewardship over the state's official records, cultural heritage, and democratic processes.
Appointed by the governor, the Secretary of State serves as the keeper of the Great Seal of the State and oversees the broad operations of the Department of State. The role is designed to balance administrative efficiency with the preservation of New Jersey's historical and artistic identity.
ไม่มีภาพประกอบ
Key Facts
- Incumbent: Dale Caldwell (since January 20, 2026).
- Established: 1776.
- First Holder: Charles Pettit.
- Primary Role: Chief Elections Officer of New Jersey.
- Appointment: Appointed by the Governor; term is concurrent with the Governor's term.
- Key Responsibility: Keeper of the Great Seal of the State.
Departmental Oversight and Agencies
The Secretary of State manages a diverse array of agencies through the Department of State. These entities focus on everything from civic engagement to the preservation of the state's physical and cultural history.
Core Agencies
The department's direct agencies include:
- State Archives (New Jersey Division of Archives and Records Management)
- New Jersey State Museum
- Division of Elections
- Division of Programs
- Business Action Center
- Council on the Arts
- Historical Commission
- Cultural Based Initiatives
- Center for Hispanic Research and Development
- Office for Planning Advocacy and the State Planning Commission
Affiliated Entities
Certain offices are situated within the department but operate with a degree of separation. These include the Secretary of Higher Education, the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority, the State Library, and the Sports and Exposition Authority.
Primary Responsibilities
Elections and Governance
The Secretary of State serves as the chief elections officer for New Jersey. While the electoral division was previously under the state attorney general, authority was transferred to the Secretary of State on April 1, 2008. In this capacity, the Secretary chairs the Board of State Canvassers, which is responsible for certifying public questions and election results for state and federal offices.
Records and Tourism
Through the New Jersey Division of Archives and Records Management (the State Archives), the Secretary oversees the repository for vital statistics. This includes birth certificates, marriage and divorce records, and the registry of wills. Additionally, the Secretary oversees the Division of Tourism, setting the policy used to promote New Jersey as a premier travel destination.
It is important to note that unlike some other states, the registry of corporations in New Jersey is not the responsibility of the Secretary of State; instead, corporate records are maintained by the New Jersey Department of the Treasury.
Tenure and Legal Status
The Secretary of State serves a term that runs concurrently with that of the governor. There is a legal nuance regarding their removal from office. While it is generally believed that a Secretary can only be removed "for cause" by the governor or through legislative impeachment, some legal scholarship suggests the governor may lack the authority to remove the Secretary "for cause," a point that remains legally untested.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Formation Year | 1776 |
| Current Incumbent | Dale Caldwell |
| Appointment Method | Gubernatorial Appointment |
| Chief Role | Chief Elections Officer |
| Key Asset | Great Seal of the State |
| Corporate Records | Handled by Dept. of Treasury (Not Sec. of State) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the current Secretary of State of New Jersey?
The current Secretary of State is Dale Caldwell, who assumed office on January 20, 2026.
What is the Secretary of State's role in elections?
The Secretary serves as the chief elections officer of New Jersey and chairs the Board of State Canvassers, which certifies election results for state and federal offices as well as public questions.
Does the Secretary of State handle business registrations?
No. In New Jersey, the maintenance of corporate records is the responsibility of the New Jersey Department of the Treasury, not the Secretary of State.
What records are kept in the State Archives?
The State Archives serves as the repository for vital statistics, including birth certificates, marriage and divorce records, and the registry of wills.
How is the Secretary of State appointed?
The Secretary of State is appointed by the governor and typically serves a term concurrent with the governor's term of office.