Secretary of the Commonwealth – Boston, MA

Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Chief Information Officer

The Secretary of the Commonwealth, headed by the Secretary of State, is the chief record-keeping, public information, and elections officer for Massachusetts. The main office is located in the McCormack Building on Ashburton Place, adjacent to the State House. This office plays a pivotal role in the state’s democracy and economy, managing everything from voter registration to business incorporation. It serves as the primary repository for public records, ensuring transparency and accessibility for all citizens 📜.

• Elections Division: Oversees state elections, voter registration, and campaign finance disclosure.
• Corporations Division: Handles the filing and registration of corporations, LLCs, and other business entities.
• Securities Division: Regulates the securities industry to protect investors from fraud.
• Historical Commission: Preserves the state’s historic assets and maintains the State Archives.

Public Records and Services

The Secretary’s office is the go-to destination for accessing public documents. The Public Records Division enforces the state’s public records laws and oversees the Lobbyist Division. Citizens can visit the office to file business documents, request apostilles, or search for historical records. The office also operates the Citizen Information Service (CIS), which provides answers to general questions about state government.

Visiting Protocols

Visitors to the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s office at 1 Ashburton Place must undergo security screening 🛡️. Valid photo identification is required to enter the McCormack Building. The office is open to the public for walk-in services, particularly for corporate filings and records requests, though many services are also available online for convenience.