So, you're wondering about the Washington Secretary of State and what this office really does? You're not alone. Whether you're a small business owner trying to file paperwork, a voter looking for election details, or someone just curious about state government, the Secretary of State plays a big role in daily life in Washington. Let’s break it down in a way that’s easy to understand, and not filled with jargon you have to look up.

From handling business registrations and trademarks to running elections and preserving important records, the Secretary of State does a lot more than you might think. If you’ve ever had to file an LLC or check your voter registration, there’s a good chance you’ve interacted with this office—maybe without even realizing it.

And now, with Steve Hobbs serving as the 16th Secretary of State, there’s a fresh perspective leading the way. Let’s dive into the role, how it affects you, and what you need to know when working with this important state office.

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Table of Contents

• Biography of Steve Hobbs
• Key Responsibilities of the Washington Secretary of State
• Services for Business Owners
• Elections and Voter Information
• State Archives and Library
• FAQs About the Washington Secretary of State

Biography of Steve Hobbs

Steve Hobbs is the current Secretary of State of Washington. He started his term in 2021 after being appointed, and was later elected by voters in both 2022 and 2024, making him the state’s 16th Secretary of State. He’s the first person of color to hold this office, which is a big deal.

Before stepping into this role, he served in the U.S. Army as a Lieutenant Colonel, and was appointed to his position by the Governor of Washington. He's known for his straightforward approach and commitment to transparency.

For more on his background and current initiatives, you can learn more about Steve Hobbs on the official state website.

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Key Responsibilities of the Washington Secretary of State

The Secretary of State wears a lot of hats. Here’s a quick breakdown of the big roles they play in the state:

• Chief Elections Officer – Runs elections, ensures voter access, and maintains election records.
• Chief Corporations Officer – Oversees business registrations, trademarks, and filings.
• Archivist and Library Supervisor – Manages state records, historical documents, and public access to information.

In short, they keep the state running when it comes to elections, business filings, and preserving Washington’s history. If you’re a small business owner or planning to start one, this is the office you’ll want to get familiar with.

Services for Business Owners

Running a business in Washington means you’ll likely have to work with the Secretary of State at some point. Whether you’re forming an LLC, registering a trademark, or just trying to keep your paperwork up to date, they’ve got the tools to help.

Here are some of the most common services offered:

• Business Entity Registration – For domestic and foreign businesses.
• Registered Agent Filings – Required for many business types.
• Trademark Applications – Protect your brand within the state.

And if you’ve ever received a confusing notice or solicitation that looked official but didn’t feel quite right? The Secretary of State has resources to help you spot fake or misleading messages. You can check out examples and learn how to verify official communications here.

Elections and Voter Information

If you’re a Washington voter, the Secretary of State is the go-to source for everything election-related. From registration to ballot tracking, they’ve got you covered.

Here’s what you can do through the Secretary of State’s office:

1. Check your voter registration status
2. Request a mail-in ballot
3. Find your local polling place
4. View election results and candidate info

Washington is known for its vote-by-mail system, and the Secretary of State plays a key role in making sure everything runs smoothly. If you ever have a question about voting or elections, they’ve got a FAQ page that’s worth checking out before contacting the office directly.

State Archives and Library

Ever wondered where Washington keeps its official documents and historical records? That’s the job of the Secretary of State’s office, too. They oversee the Washington State Archives and State Library, making sure that public records are preserved and accessible.

Whether you’re a student doing research, a genealogist tracing your roots, or just curious about state history, these resources are open to the public. You can access digital archives online or visit in person for deeper research.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the current Washington Secretary of State?

Steve Hobbs is the 16th and current Secretary of State of Washington. He was first appointed in 2021 and elected by voters in 2022 and again in 2024.

What does the Washington Secretary of State do?

The Secretary of State oversees business registrations, elections, voter services, trademarks, and the state archives and library. They play a key role in both government operations and public access to information.

How do I verify if a notice is from the Washington Secretary of State?

If you receive a letter or email that looks official but feels off, you can check the Secretary of State’s website for examples of real and fake notices. You can also contact their office directly or visit their FAQ page for help identifying official communications.

If you’d like to learn more about the Washington Secretary of State’s role in business filings and elections, be sure to visit their official website for up-to-date information and resources.