The secretary is third in line for succession as acting governor of New Hampshire, following the state's president of the Senate and speaker of the House.

[1] The secretary oversees all state elections, including certifying the results, and keeps the official records of the state.

[1] The secretary is, by statute, the only person who can authorize use of the State Seal.

[2] The secretary is elected biennially by the New Hampshire General Court (state legislature), as prescribed in the Constitution of New Hampshire as adopted in 1784.

[1] The position itself dates to 1680, when the Province of New Hampshire was under British rule.