Elaine Marshall has served as North Carolina’s Secretary of State since 1997 and is up for reelection this year. Marshall was the first woman elected to a statewide office in North Carolina, and has focused on stopping the state’s rural ‘brain drain’ and integrating technology into the Secretary of State Office.
We spoke to Marshall last week about her role and why more North Carolinians should be paying attention to the Secretary of State office.
What does this role do?
The role of Secretary of State in North Carolina primarily involves overseeing the administrative functions that support business activity in the state. This includes registering corporations, partnerships, and other business entities, as well as protecting businesses and consumers from fraud through the enforcement of trademark and anti-counterfeiting laws. Additionally, the office oversees lobbyist registration, notary public commissions, and securities regulation.
Our office plays a critical role in economic development by simplifying business formation, cutting red tape, and providing resources to help businesses grow and succeed. The office also works to ensure the security of crucial business and financial data, with a strong emphasis on cybersecurity to protect against potential threats. Through these functions, the Secretary of State helps create a safe and supportive environment for businesses and consumers in North Carolina.
For someone who may only be paying attention to the top of ballot races, what would you say to them about the Secretary of State office?
For those focusing only on the top-of-the-ballot races, I would stress that the Secretary of State’s office is vital to the daily functioning of our economy and the protection of consumers. This office is responsible for helping businesses get started and ensuring they have the resources to grow and succeed, which directly impacts jobs, economic growth, and opportunities in our communities. It also plays a critical role in preventing fraud, safeguarding intellectual property, and maintaining cybersecurity for the business data that so many rely on. While it might not always make the headlines, the work of this office has a profound effect on North Carolina’s economic health and your daily life.
What are 2-3 issues North Carolinians should be paying closer attention to as relates to your office?
North Carolinians should be paying closer attention to **cybersecurity** and **small business support** as they relate to the Secretary of State’s office.
Our office manages critical business and financial data, and protecting this information is essential to the state’s economic stability. As cyber threats continue to grow, ensuring the security of these systems is crucial for protecting businesses and consumers alike. People should be aware of how we are constantly working to safeguard their sensitive data from cyberattacks.
The Secretary of State’s office is often the first stop for entrepreneurs starting their businesses. Through initiatives like Rural RISE, we provide essential resources and support that help new businesses establish themselves and grow, which directly impacts local economies and job creation. As small businesses are the backbone of our state’s economy, ensuring they have the tools to thrive should be a top concern for all North Carolinians.
Both cybersecurity and small business development are key to maintaining a strong and secure economy in North Carolina.
We read a piece from Border Belt recently that profiled a bunch of high school students in Robeson County who weren’t planning to vote because they didn’t see the point. What would you say to them?
To those high school students in Robeson County who feel like voting doesn’t matter, I would say your voice is incredibly important. Every election shapes the future of your community and your state. When you choose not to vote, you’re giving up your chance to influence decisions that affect your education, job opportunities, and the issues you care about most.
Voting is not just a right – it’s a way to express your values and priorities. If you want change, participating in the electoral process is one of the most powerful ways to make your voice heard. I encourage you to engage with the issues, learn about the candidates, and realize that your vote can make a difference—especially when it comes to policies that impact young people and future generations. Your participation is essential for creating the community you want to see.
(We ask every candidate this question) If you could design a pair of Crocs for yourself, what would they look like?
If I could design a pair of Crocs for myself, they would feature a patriotic theme of red, white, and blue with added comfort and support. The material would be a soft, cushioned foam for maximum comfort. Overall, they’d be fun, functional, stylish and a reflection of my passions and experience.
To add a personal touch, I’d incorporate custom, removable Jibbitz charms representing my interests, such as a book for reading, a charm shaped like a sewing machine (representing my home economics teaching background) a 4-H clover to honor my commitment to youth development and community, a gavel for my legal background, and maybe a small globe to symbolize my love for travel.