Mississippi Secretary of State plays a big role in how the state runs — from elections to business filings to protecting consumer rights. If you’re trying to start a business, vote, or even check on a charity, chances are you’ll run into their office at some point. They’re not just a name on a government website, they’re a go-to for everyday folks who want to make sure they’re doing things the right way, by the book.

Whether you're filing your LLC paperwork or checking where your polling place is, the Mississippi Secretary of State’s office has your back. They’ve got tools online, services for businesses and voters alike, and even a way to look up public records — all without having to drive across the state. It’s the kind of place that, once you know how to use it, makes life just a little bit easier.

And guess what? You don’t need a law degree to figure it out. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about the Mississippi Secretary of State, what they do, and how you can use their services without getting lost in government jargon. Let’s get started.

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Table of Contents

• Who Is Michael Watson?
• The Eight Divisions of the Office
• Voting and Elections in Mississippi
• Doing Business in Mississippi
• Other Services and Resources
• Frequently Asked Questions

Who Is Michael Watson?

Michael Watson has been the 36th Secretary of State of Mississippi since 2012 and is currently serving his second term. Before that, he served in the Mississippi State Senate, representing District 51 starting in 2007. In the Senate, he built a reputation as a conservative voice and advocate for preserving traditional values.

Since taking office, Watson has pushed for more transparency, better election security, and a more user-friendly experience for people trying to do business or vote in the state. He’s known for being hands-on, especially when it comes to elections and making sure the system runs smoothly.

His background in law and public service gives him the know-how to manage a wide range of responsibilities — from overseeing elections to handling business registrations and even managing public land records.

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The Eight Divisions of the Office

The Mississippi Secretary of State’s office is split into eight main divisions, each with its own specific purpose. These divisions work together to make sure the state’s records are safe, businesses are running smoothly, and elections are fair and secure.

1. Business Regulation and Enforcement

This division makes sure businesses follow the rules. If someone’s not playing by the book, this team steps in to set things straight.

2. Business Services

Got a new company idea? This is where you’ll go to register your business, file your documents, and make sure everything’s legal and official.

3. Education and Publications

They handle a bunch of official state publications and educational tools, especially around elections and civic education.

4. Elections

Big one here — this division oversees all elections in Mississippi. They make sure voting is safe, accurate, and accessible to everyone.

5. Policy and Research

They look into trends, draft policy ideas, and help shape the direction the office takes on key issues.

6. Securities

Want to invest or start a financial offering? This team makes sure everything’s above board and that investors are protected.

7. Charities

They oversee nonprofits and charities to make sure they’re legit and actually doing the good work they say they are.

8. Public Lands

This division manages the state’s land records, mineral rights, and other land-related issues. If you own land or want to know about mineral rights, this is your go-to.

Voting and Elections in Mississippi

If you live in Mississippi and want to vote, the Secretary of State’s office is your best friend. They run the elections, keep the voter rolls up to date, and make sure everything goes off without a hitch.

You can find your polling place, check your registration status, and even request an absentee ballot through their website. They also post official election results online once the votes are tallied and certified.

Need to Know

• You must be a U.S. citizen and a Mississippi resident.
• You can register to vote online or by mail.
• Mississippi does not offer online voter registration — yet — but you can download and print the form.
• They don’t release Social Security numbers or birthdates publicly — that info is protected by law.

And if you ever want to know who’s winning a race or how your county voted, you can check the official results on their site. They post statewide and county-level reports after each major election.

Doing Business in Mississippi

If you’re starting a business or already have one in Mississippi, the Secretary of State’s office is going to be your go-to resource. From forming an LLC to filing your annual reports, they’ve got the tools you need to get things done online.

Business Entity Search

Want to check if a company is already registered in Mississippi? You can use the free business entity search tool on their website. Just type in the business name or other identifying details and see what comes up.

Filing UCC Documents

Got a loan or security agreement? You’ll need to file a UCC (Uniform Commercial Code) document. You can do that online, but you’ll need to log in with a username and password. First-time users can create an account and start filing right away.

Notary and Apostille Services

If you need a document notarized or certified for international use, the Secretary of State’s office handles apostilles and notary renewals. This is super handy if you’re doing business overseas or sending documents abroad.

Other Services and Resources

Beyond elections and business, the Mississippi Secretary of State’s office offers a bunch of other services that people often don’t know about until they need them.

Preneed Funeral and Cemetery Info

Thinking ahead about funeral plans or looking into cemetery regulations? They have a whole section on preneed funeral services and cemetery care rules. It’s not the most fun topic, but it’s super important to get right.

Charity Oversight

They also keep an eye on nonprofits and charities to make sure they’re not just collecting money without doing the work they promised. If you donate to a cause, this office helps make sure your dollars are going where they should.

Public Lands Management

Mississippi owns a lot of land, including parks, forests, and mineral rights. This division tracks all of it and makes sure it’s managed properly. Whether you’re buying land or just curious about state-owned property, this team handles that too.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I search for a business in Mississippi?

You can use the free business entity search tool on the Secretary of State’s website. Just enter the business name or other identifying details, and it’ll pull up registered info.

Can I file UCC documents online?

Yes, but you need to log in first. You’ll need a username and password. New users can create an account and start filing right away.

Is my personal information safe when I vote?

Absolutely. Mississippi law protects voter information like Social Security numbers and birthdates. That info won’t be released to the public, so you don’t have to worry about it getting out there.

Learn more about

voting in Mississippi and business services on our site.