Overview

Unlike in other states, the North Carolina Secretary of State is not a major election officer, but is mostly responsible for administrative support and to help facilitate other election processes.

Election-Related Duties

The key duties of the Secretary of State are:

1. Providing administrative support to the State Board of Elections. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 163-28.
2. Maintaining abstracts of election results for the public. N.C. Gen. Stat. §§ 163-182.6(c); 163-182.15.(c).
3. Notifying the governor that a certificate of election has been issued for certain offices. N.C. Gen. Stat. §§ 163-182.16.

Selection and Vacancy Information

• **Elected: ***The *****Secretary of State is elected by a statewide vote every four years. N.C. Const. Art. III § 7(1).
• Tiebreaking: If more than 5,000 votes were cast in the election, then the tie is broken by a runoff. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 163‑182.8(1). If there were fewer than 5,000 votes cast, then the tie is decided randomly by the State Board of Elections. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 163‑182.8(2).
• Term of Office: The term of office is four years, and there are no term limits. N.C. Const. Art. III § 7(1).
• Next Election: The next election is on November 5, 2024. N.C. Const. Art. III § 7(1).
• Qualifications: They must be 21 years of age and an eligible North Carolina voter. N.C. Const. Art. VI § 6.
• Vacancy: **Vacancies are filled by the Governor, until the next General Assembly election that is more than 60 days following the vacancy. N.C. Const. Art. III § 7(3).