Who appoints the Illinois Secretary of State?

The Illinois Secretary of State is appointed by the Governor of Illinois. This position is part of the executive branch of the state government, and the Governor has the authority to select individuals for various roles within the administration. The Secretary of State oversees a range of important functions including maintaining the official records of the state, overseeing vehicle registration and licensing, and managing business filings. This appointment underscores the responsibility of the Governor to shape the administration's policies and operational directions by choosing leadership for key departments.

Other potential methods of selection, such as through the legislature or direct voter election, do not apply to this role. The State Legislature may create laws relating to the duties and functions of the Secretary of State, but it does not have the authority to appoint the individual holding that office. Similarly, while voters elect many state officials, including the Governor, the Secretary of State is not among those positions decided by popular vote. The Illinois Supreme Court's function is primarily judicial, addressing matters of law rather than appointments to executive positions.