The secretary of state oversees three distinct areas within their department. These coincide with the three bureaus under their aegis: the Maine Bureau of Corporations, Elections and Commissions, Maine State Archives and Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles.
Corporations, elections, and commissions The secretary of state has oversight over the
conduct of elections, petition filing, and state-wide
ballot initiatives. They are responsible for applying campaign conduct law against
candidates for office. The secretary reviews
petitions to verify authenticity of signatures for ballot initiatives under the Maine Constitution. The secretary of state also oversees and applies the state's
corporation law. Corporations seeking to be chartered in Maine do so through the secretary's office. The secretary has oversight over Maine's
commercial law and application of the
Uniform Commercial Code. The secretary's office appoints and regulates the state's
notaries public. ==List of secretaries of state==