WCDP Election Central – Candidate Information
Elaine Marshall
NC Secretary of State
Candidate Statement:
As Secretary of State, I’ve worked to cut the red tape for entrepreneurs starting companies, track special interests and the people who lobby for them, prosecute criminals who are masquerading as charities, and crack down on financial fraud—getting serious jail time for crooks. Customer service is my priority for our office that serves all citizens without regard to if it’s a single individual or a national corporation. I’m proud that we’ve been honored by organizations as diverse as the US Chamber of Commerce, Common Cause, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, UL Laboratories, NFL, NHL, Triangle Business Journal, and NAWBO.
With a proven track record of success, I want to continue serving North Carolina by fostering economic growth and championing the interests of all residents.
Importance of this Race:
Since taking office, Secretary Marshall has cut the costs of doing business in North Carolina—helping small businesses create jobs and enabling free enterprise and capital formation. She has led the effort to reform NC’s lobbying laws. Elaine remains committed to making public information transparent and accessible to businesses, investors and individuals. Her efforts have helped make NC one of the most affordable places in the US to do business.
Office Responsibilities:
- The Secretary of State oversees economic and business-related operations in the state government.
- The Office provides the initial infrastructure for corporate organizations and investigates and addresses fraud.
- They provide documentation services such as trademarks, lobbyist registration, notary public services, and the recording of financial loans and liens.
- They handle the creation of new companies and maintain corporate documents.
- They publish the NC Manual and act as custodian for the original 1868 NC Constitution and Book of Oaths.
- The Office is responsible for the filing of non-commercial international agreements.
- They regulate investment advertising, the selling of stocks and bonds, and loan broker registration.
- They also oversee charitable solicitations and fundraising contributions.
Issues:
Supporting and Encouraging NC Businesses:
Since taking office, Marshall has cut the costs of doing business—helping small businesses create jobs and enabling free enterprise and capital formation. She has led the effort to reform NC’s lobbying laws. She remains committed to making public information transparent and accessible to all. Her efforts have helped make NC one of the most affordable places in the US to do business.
Consumer Protection:
The Secretary of State’s office today is a key agency protecting consumers, investors, and charitable donors against fraud. Marshall’s commitment to protecting investors has led to prison terms for criminals and a refund of over $1 billion from major Wall Street firms for misrepresentation to NC investors. She has received international recognition for her efforts protecting trademark holders, and eliminating harmful and dangerous counterfeit goods.
Modernization:
In 1996, Marshall became the first woman elected to a statewide executive branch office in North Carolina. She immediately established herself as a competent administrator with an eye toward reform. She has received national recognition for modernizing the Secretary of State’s office by introducing modern technology and reducing red tape.