The secretary of state is responsible for overseeing elections in the state; registering business entities (corporations, etc.)

and granting them the authority to do business within the state; registering secured transactions; and granting access to public documents.

From 1803 to 1851, the Ohio secretary of state was elected by the Ohio General Assembly to a three-year term.

The 1851 Ohio Constitution made the office elective, with a two-year term.

In 1954, the office's term was extended to four years.