Elmer Begley (July 5, 1912 – September 18, 1970)[1] was an American politician and educator who served as Secretary of State of Kentucky from 1968 to his death in 1970.

From 1943 to 1944, he served as director of the Federal Farm Security program for Leslie and Perry counties.

[3] Early in life, Begley decided he wanted to follow in his grandfather's footsteps and become a County Judge.

At age twenty-four he was elected to serve as Leslie County Judge, an office that he would hold for four consecutive terms.

[1][3] Begley died of cancer at his apartment in Lexington, Kentucky on September 18, 1970, while still serving as Secretary of State.