Rhode Island Secretary of State

General information
Office Type: | Partisan
Office website: | Official Link
Compensation: | $137,510
2025 FY Budget: | $15,372,795
Term limits: | Two consecutive terms
Structure
Length of term: |  4 years
Authority: | Rhode Island general laws, Section 42-8-1
Selection Method: | Elected
Current Officeholder

Rhode Island Secretary of State Gregg Amore
Democratic Party
Assumed office: January 3, 2023

Elections
Next election: | November 3, 2026
Last election: | November 8, 2022
Other Rhode Island Executive Offices
Governor • Lieutenant Governor • Secretary of State • Attorney General • Treasurer • Superintendent of Education • Agriculture Commissioner • Insurance Commissioner • Natural Resources Commissioner • Labor Commissioner • Public Service Commission

## Contents

* 1 Current officeholder
* 2 Authority
* 3 Qualifications
* 4 Vacancies
* 5 Elections
* 5.1 Term limits
* 5.2 2022
* 5.3 2018
* 5.4 Full history
* 5.4.1 2014
* 6 Duties
* 7 Divisions
* 8 State budget
* 9 Compensation
* 9.1 2023
* 9.2 2022
* 9.3 2021
* 9.4 2020
* 9.5 2019
* 9.6 2018
* 9.7 2017
* 9.8 2016
* 9.9 2015
* 9.10 2014
* 9.11 2013
* 10 Historical officeholders
* 11 Contact information
* 12 See also
* 13 External links
* 14 Footnotes

The Secretary of State for Rhode Island is an elected official for the state of Rhode Island. The secretary of state is the keeper of the Seal of the State of Rhode Island, and the office is the repository for official state documents.[1]

Rhode Island has a Democratic triplex. The Democratic Party controls the offices of governor, secretary of state, and attorney general.

## Current officeholder[edit]

The current Rhode Island Secretary of State is Gregg Amore (D). Amore assumed office in 2023.

## Authority[edit]

The department of state, with the secretary of state as its head, is established in the Rhode Island Constitution and Section 42-8-1 of the Rhode Island general laws.

§ 42-8-1:

There shall be a department of state. The head of the department of state shall be the secretary of state. The secretary of state shall perform the duties required by this chapter and by chapter 2 of title 6; chapters 1 to 4, inclusive, of title 7; chapters 16, 19, and 20 of title 17; chapters 3 and 10 of title 22; chapters 1 to 3 and 4, of title 29; chapter 1 of title 36; chapter 7 of title 37; chapter 30 of this title; chapters 1 and 2 of title 43; chapter 6 of title 44; and any and all other provisions of the general laws and public laws insofar as such powers and duties relate to the secretary of state and the department of state.[2]

## Qualifications[edit]

According to the Rhode Island Secretary of State's website, "In order to serve as Secretary of State, you must be at least 18 years old, a registered voter, a resident of Rhode Island for at least 30 days and a U.S. citizen."[1]

## Vacancies[edit]

Article IV, Section 4 of the state constitution addresses vacancies. In the event of a vacancy in the office of secretary of state, attorney general, or treasurer, the Rhode Island General Assembly elects a successor to fill the remainder of the unexpired term. If the vacancy occurs when the general assembly is not in session, the governor appoints a person to fill the vacancy to serve until a successor is elected by the general assembly.[3]

## Elections[edit]

Article IV, Section 1 of the state constitution specifies that the offices of governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, attorney general and treasurer are to be elected every four years during the November general election. The offices are elected in mid-term election years (2018, 2022, 2026, et cetera).[3]

### Term limits[edit]

Term limits for the secretary of state are defined in Article IV, Section 1 of the Rhode Island Constitution, which prohibits a secretary of state from serving more than two consecutive terms.

Rhode Island Constitution, Article IV, Section 1 (partial):

The governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, attorney-general, general treasurer shall be elected on the Tuesday after the first Monday in November, quadrennially commencing A.D. 1994, and every four (4) years thereafter, and shall severally hold their offices, subject to recall as provided herein, for four (4) years from the first Tuesday of January next succeeding their election and until their successors are elected and qualified. No person shall serve consecutively in the same general office for more than two (2) full terms, excluding any partial term of less than two (2) years previously served...

### 2022[edit]

See also: Rhode Island Secretary of State election, 2022

#### General election

##### General election for Rhode Island Secretary of State

Gregg Amore defeated Pat Cortellessa in the general election for Rhode Island Secretary of State on November 8, 2022.

Candidate

Votes

|
|
|

| Gregg Amore (D) |

59.5

| 208,981

| Pat Cortellessa (R) |

40.3

| 141,457
|  | Other/Write-in votes|

0.2

| 527

* * *

There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source

| Total votes: 350,965

|
|

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#### Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

* Anne Armstrong (Independent)

#### Democratic primary election

#####  Democratic primary for Rhode Island Secretary of State

Gregg Amore defeated Stephanie Beauté in the Democratic primary for Rhode Island Secretary of State on September 13, 2022.

Candidate

Votes

|
|
|

| Gregg Amore|

64.3

| 65,276

| Stephanie Beauté |

35.7

| 36,283

* * *

There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source

| Total votes: 101,559

|
|

= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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#### Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

* Anthony Tamba (D)

#### Republican primary election

#####  Republican primary for Rhode Island Secretary of State

Pat Cortellessa advanced from the Republican primary for Rhode Island Secretary of State on September 13, 2022.

Candidate

Votes

|
|
|

| Pat Cortellessa|

100.0

| 18,306

* * *

There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source

| Total votes: 18,306

|
|

= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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### 2018[edit]

See also: Rhode Island Secretary of State election, 2018

#### General election

##### General election for Rhode Island Secretary of State

Incumbent Nellie Gorbea defeated Pat Cortellessa in the general election for Rhode Island Secretary of State on November 6, 2018.

Candidate

Votes

|
|
|

| Nellie Gorbea (D) |

67.4

| 247,276

| Pat Cortellessa (R) |

32.5

| 119,293
|  | Other/Write-in votes|

0.1

| 540

* * *

Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source

| Total votes: 367,109
(100.00% precincts reporting)

|
|

= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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#### Democratic primary election

#####  Democratic primary for Rhode Island Secretary of State

Incumbent Nellie Gorbea advanced from the Democratic primary for Rhode Island Secretary of State on September 12, 2018.

Candidate

Votes

|
|
|

| Nellie Gorbea|

100.0

| 95,644

* * *

Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified.

| Total votes: 95,644

|
|

= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

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#### Republican primary election

#####  Republican primary for Rhode Island Secretary of State

Pat Cortellessa advanced from the Republican primary for Rhode Island Secretary of State on September 12, 2018.

Candidate

Votes

|
|
|

| Pat Cortellessa|

100.0

| 25,081

* * *

There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified.

| Total votes: 25,081

|
|

= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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### Full history[edit]

#### 2014[edit]

See also: Rhode Island secretary of state election, 2014

Democrat Nellie Gorbea won the election on November 4, 2014.

Secretary of State of Rhode Island, 2014

Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes
| Democratic  | Nellie Gorbea | 60.5% | 186,899
| Republican  |  John Carlevale | 39.3% | 121,466
| Nonpartisan  |  Write-in votes  | 0.2% | 770
Total Votes | 309,135
Election results via State of Rhode Island

To view the electoral history dating back to 2002 for the office of Rhode Island Secretary of State, click [show] to expand the section.

|

2010

On November 2, 2010, A. Ralph Mollis won re-election to the office of Rhode Island Secretary of State. He defeated Catherine Terry Taylor (R) in the general election.

| Rhode Island Secretary of State, 2010

Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes
| Democratic  | A. Ralph Mollis Incumbent | 50.6% | 166,140
| Republican  |  Catherine Terry Taylor | 49.4% | 162,283
Total Votes | 328,423
Election results via Rhode Island Board of Elections.

2006

On November 7, 2006, A. Ralph Mollis won election to the office of Rhode Island Secretary of State. He defeated Sue A. Stenhouse (R) in the general election.

Rhode Island Secretary of State, 2006

Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes
| Democratic  | A. Ralph Mollis | 53.6% | 200,058
| Republican  |  Sue A. Stenhouse  | 46.4% | 173,490
Total Votes | 373,548
Election results via Rhode Island Board of Elections.

2002

On November 5, 2002, Matthew A. Brown won election to the office of Rhode Island Secretary of State. He defeated Christopher W. Stanley (R) in the general election.

Rhode Island Secretary of State, 2002

Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes
| Democratic  | Matthew A. Brown | 68.7% | 216,782
| Republican  |  Christopher W. Stanley  | 31.3% | 98,780
Total Votes | 315,562
Election results via Rhode Island Board of Elections.

## Duties[edit]

The duties of Rhode Island's secretary of state include:[2]

* Keeping the state's seal.
* Conducting state elections.
* Keeping and preserving the records of all official acts and proceedings of the General Assembly.

## Divisions[edit]

The Department of State is composed of five separate divisions:

* The Elections and Civics Division prepares ballots, ensures accessibility of voting facilities, qualifies and certifies the names of all federal and state candidates for ballot placement. Additionally, the division maintains a database of registered voters, ensures compliance with the Help America Vote Act, and explains elections proceedures. Administration of elections and compliance with campaign finance laws is the responsibility of a separate state agency, the Rhode Island Board of Elections.[4]
* The Business Services Division is responsible for a wide range of business-related legal documents and filings, including formation of corporations and other business entities, liens and security interests under the Uniform Commercial Code, registration of notaries public, trademarks and service marks, registration of businesses conducting games of chance, and various other documents required by state law.[5]
* The Public Information Division accepts many filings required to be made with secretary of state, including Lobbying Disclosures, Public Meeting Notices and Minutes, Disclosure of State Government Consultants and Appointments to Boards and Commissions, and other government information. This division also publishes the Rhode Island Government Owner's Manual, which gives a broad overview of various government offices and officials.[6]
* The Rhode Island State Archives is the official custodian and trustee for Rhode Island's public records dating back to 1638 and makes them available to the public.[7]
* The Rhode Island State Library was created in 1852 by a General Assembly resolution as part of the office of the secretary of state. Its purpose is to assist members of the Rhode Island General Assembly with research on the preparation of proposed legislation. The State Library also includes a law library.[8]

## State budget[edit]

See also: Rhode Island state budget and finances

The budget for the Secretary of State's office in Fiscal Year 2025 was $15,372,795.[9]

## Compensation[edit]

See also: Compensation of state executive officers

See statutes: Title 36, Chapter 6, Section 2 of the Rhode Island General Laws

The secretary of state's salary is fixed by law, in accordance with Title 36, Chapter 6, Section 2 of the Rhode Island General Laws (§ 36-6-2).[10]

### 2023[edit]

In 2023, the officer's salary was $137,510, according to the Council of State Governments.[11]

### 2022[edit]

In 2022, the officer's salary was $122,740, according to the Council of State Governments.[12]

### 2021[edit]

In 2021, the secretary of state received a salary of $117,637, according to the Council of State Governments.[13]

### 2020[edit]

In 2020, the secretary of state received a salary of $122,740 according to the Council of State Governments.[14]

### 2019[edit]

In 2019, the secretary of state received a salary of $122,740 according to the Council of State Governments.[15]

### 2018[edit]

In 2018, the secretary of state received a salary of $117,637 according to the Council of State Governments.[16]

### 2017[edit]

In 2017, the secretary of state received a salary of $117,637 according to the Council of State Governments.[17]

### 2016[edit]

In 2016, the secretary of state received a salary of $117,637, according to the Council of State Governments.[18]

### 2015[edit]

In 2015, the secretary of state received a salary of $108,808, according to the Council of State Governments.[19]

### 2014[edit]

In 2014, the secretary received a salary of $108,808, according to the Council of State Governments.[20]

### 2013[edit]

In 2013, the Rhode Island Secretary of State was paid an estimated $108,808. This figure comes from the Council of State Governments.[21]

## Historical officeholders[edit]

Note: Ballotpedia's state executive officials project researches state official websites for chronological lists of historical officeholders; information for the Rhode Island Secretary of State has not yet been added because the information was unavailable on the relevant state official websites, or we are currently in the process of formatting the list for this office. If you have any additional information about this office for inclusion on this section and/or page, please email us.

## Contact information[edit]

Capitol Address:
Secretary of State
82 Smith Street
State House Room 218
Providence, RI 02903

Phone: (401) 222-2357

## See also[edit]

Rhode Island | State Executive Elections | News and Analysis

|
|

Rhode Island State Executive Offices Rhode Island State Legislature Rhode Island Courts |  2025 • 2024 • 2023 • 2022 • 2021 • 2020 • 2019 • 2018 • 2017 • 2016 Rhode Island elections: 2025 • 2024 • 2023 • 2022 • 2021 • 2020 • 2019 • 2018 • 2017 • 2016 |  Party control of state government State government trifectas State of the state addresses Partisan composition of governors

## External links[edit]

| Suggest a link

|

* Office of the Rhode Island Secretary of State

## Footnotes[edit]

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Rhode Island Secretary of State, "About us," accessed January 27, 2021
2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 State of Rhode Island, "CHAPTER 42-8, Department of State," accessed January 27, 2021
3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 State of Rhode Island, "Rhode Island State Constitution," accessed January 27, 2021
4. ↑ Office of the Secretary of State, "Elections," accessed January 27, 2021
5. ↑ Office of the Secretary of State, "Business Services," accessed January 27, 2021
6. ↑ Office of the Secretary of State, "Public Info," accessed January 27, 2021
7. ↑ Office of the Secretary of State, "State Archives," accessed January 27, 2021
8. ↑ Office of the Secretary of State, "State Library," accessed January 27, 2021
9. ↑ Rhode Island Legislature, "2024 -- H 7225 Substitute A as Amended," accessed January 22, 2025
10. ↑ Justia.com, "2014 Rhode Island General Laws: Title 36 - Public Officers and Employees: Chapter 36-6 - Salaries and Traveling Expenses: Section 36-6-2 - Salary of other general state officers," accessed January 27, 2021
11. ↑ Council of State Governments, "Book of the States 2023 Table 4.11: Selected State Administrative Officials: Annual Salaries," accessed January 21, 2025
12. ↑ Council of State Governments, "Book of the States 2022 Table 4.11: Selected State Administrative Officials: Annual Salaries," provided to Ballotpedia by CSG personnel
13. ↑ Issuu, "The Book of the States 2021," accessed September 28, 2022
14. ↑ Council of State Governments, "The Book of the States 2020," accessed January 5, 2021
15. ↑ Council of State Governments, "The Book of the States 2019," accessed January 5, 2021
16. ↑ Council of State Governments, "The Book of the States 2018," accessed January 5, 2021
17. ↑ Council of State Governments, "The Book of the States 2017," accessed January 5, 2021
18. ↑ Council of State Governments, "Selected State Administrative Officials: Annual Salaries, 2016," accessed August 27, 2016
19. ↑ Council of State Governments, "Selected State Administrative Officials: Annual Salaries, 2015," accessed August 27, 2016
20. ↑ Council of State Governments, "Selected State Administrative Officials: Annual Salaries," accessed December 8, 2014
21. ↑ Council of State Governments, "Selected State Administrative Officials: Annual Salaries," January 29, 2014

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