Texas Secretary of State Ruth R. Hughs “Working About the collaboratively, we will secure the Texas future for ourselves and the Texans that Secretary follow, and keep the Lone Star State the greatest state in of State the nation.” Secretary Ruth R. Hughs uth Ruggero Hughs was appointed by Governor Greg Abbott and sworn in as the 113th Texas Secretary R of State on August 19, 2019. Secretary Hughs brings an extensive and proven record of public service to the Office of the Secretary of State, having most recently served as Chair and Commissioner Representing Employers at the Texas Workforce Commission. She also previously served at the Office of the Texas Attorney General as the Director of Defense Litigation, where she was responsible for the www.sos.texas.gov successful management and oversight of the civil litigation divisions representing agencies across the state. (512) 463-5770 Secretary Hughs is committed to ensuring that the Lone Star Hours of Operation: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. State remains the greatest state in the nation, by fostering Central Time, Monday through Friday and strengthening international relations, encouraging investments and trade, and promoting voter awareness Capitol Building and civic engagement. 1100 Congress, Room 1E.8 Austin, Texas 78701 Serving Texas International Protocol Business & Public Filings • The Secretary serves as Chief y Executive Order, Governor Abbott has he Secretary of State’s Business and Commercial Election Officer for Texas, Bdirected the Secretary of State to serve as TFilings Section reviews and processes documents assisting county election Texas’ Chief International Protocol Officer. In this relating to the formation and registration of business officials and maintaining the capacity, Secretary Hughs regularly hosts members organizations, the registration of state trademarks, uniform application and interpretation of the consular corps, including representatives and certain other commercial registration filings. of election laws throughout Texas. from the more than 100 consulates located here in Texas. Along with meetings with members of the • The Secretary provides a repository for international diplomatic corps, Secretary Hughs official, business, and commercial records maintains strong relations with our international required to be filed with the Office. partners by assisting on trade and investment The Office of the Secretary of State is committed to providing services to ensure business and public • The Secretary publishes government rules and promotion missions abroad. filings remain available 24/7 through our online regulations, commissions notaries public, and business service, SOSDirect, or through use of serves as keeper of the state seal and attestor to SOSUpload. SOSDirect is an online service for the Governor’s signature on official documents. Texas Border & filing of corporate records. It provides the public Mexican Affairs quick and easy access to documents on file. By using Your Vote Counts hrough designation by SOSUpload, you will have the ability to file documents the Governor, Secretary not currently available for filing on SOSDirect. s the Chief Election Officer for the State of Texas, T Hughs serves as the Border Secretary Hughs is committed to protecting the A Commerce Coordinator integrity of the election process and ensuring all for the State of Texas. Texas Businesses eligible Texans have the opportunity to vote. The The Border Commerce Secretary of State’s Office provides information Against Trafficking Coordinator’s role is to facilitate on voter registration and other elections-related communication and coordination n 2016, the Secretary of State AGAI SES NS issues. The office also assists and advises local S rship T E tne wit T established a human trafficking ar h R of border initiatives among local N p th I e A I n election officials on the proper conduct of elections S i F officials, state agencies, and the federal prevention business partnership, U F I B C including training, ballot certification procedures and S K I A governments of the United States, Mexico, Texas Businesses Against N X T e G E TBATe t clarification of election laws. x T a ta and Canada. Trafficking (TBAT). s S f S ecretary o As the Governor’s liaison for Texas Border and The TBAT program is Mexican Affairs, one of the duties prescribed to a partnership that recognizes he voter education program is part of the Secretary Hughs is to serve as the Presiding Officer Texas businesses for providing employee TSecretary of State’s commitment to ensure of the Border Trade Advisory Committee – a forum training to identify and address human trafficking, Texans are prepared to vote. We provide assistance for state transportation decisions affecting trade, prohibiting the use of business funds to patronize a to the general public on voter registration and cross-border commerce, and infrastructure at the business that is part of the commercial sex industry, other election issues through our toll free number, Texas border. participating in public awareness or educational 1-800-252-VOTE (8683), and via the Internet. campaigns, and other requirements pursuant to the The Border Trade Advisory Committee is currently Texas Administrative Code. VoteTexas.gov includes information on: comprised of over 30 members, from both public • How to register to vote. and private enterprise with great interest in the The Secretary of State is asking all Texas businesses to • Where to vote. Texas-Mexico border, and tasked with contributing get involved in the fight against human trafficking by • What to bring to the polls. to the development of transportation plans and trade raising awareness within their company and community • What to expect when voting. projects pertaining to the border. to help recognize and prevent labor and sex trafficking..