The Missouri Office of the Secretary of State is a state government agency responsible for overseeing various administrative and regulatory functions in the state of Missouri. Established by the Missouri Constitution, the office is headed by the Missouri Secretary of State, who is elected to four-year terms. The agency’s primary responsibilities include maintaining official state records, supervising elections, registering businesses, and serving as the state’s chief securities regulator. The office manages several key divisions, including Business Services, which handles business registrations and filings; Elections Division, which oversees state elections and maintains voter records; Securities Division, which regulates the securities industry and protects investors; and State Library, which provides library services and maintains state documents. Additionally, the office is responsible for publishing and maintaining the state’s administrative rules and regulations through the Administrative Rules Division. The Secretary of State’s office also serves as the keeper of the Great Seal of Missouri and authenticates official acts of the governor. Through its Records Services Division, the agency preserves and manages historical state records and documents. The office operates from the James C. Kirkpatrick State Information Center in Jefferson City, Missouri, and maintains various online services through its website sos.mo.gov to facilitate public access to government services and information.