Lieutenant Governor

Entity: 603
Entity Type: State Government

Prior Names

Territorial Secretary
Secretary of the Territory
Secretary of State

Abstract

The Lieutenant Governor is an elective constitutional officer (Constitution of Utah, Article VII, sections 1, 2, 3, and 15.) The Lieutenant Governor is the second highest official of the state and "is next in command of the executive department in the event of death, removal, resignation, or disability of the governor."
In addition to being the successor to the governor in event of the death, removal, resignation, or disability of the governor, Utah law outlines several specific duties including being chief elections officer.
A person must be at least 30 years old at the time of election to be eligible for the office of Lieutenant Governor. Candidates must also be residents of the state for at least five years and a qualified voter. The Lieutenant Governor runs with the Governor.

Biography/History Notes

In addition to being the successor to the governor in event of the death, removal, resignation, or disability of the governor, Utah law outlines the following specific duties for the lieutenant governor: (1)(a) Performs any duties delegated by the governor including, (1)(b) serve on all boards and commissions in lieu of the governor whenever designated by the governor; (1)(c) serve as the chief election officer of the state; (1)(d) be keeper of the great seal of the state of Utah, (1)(e) keep a register of, and attest, the official acts of the governor; (1)(f) affix the great seal to official documents and instruments when required; and (1) (g)furnish, on request, copies or certified copies of laws, records, and other instruments filed with the lieutenant governor to any person paying the required fee. In addition, specific duties are enumerated regarding being the (2) elections officer, and (3) certify municipal and township incorporations and their classification. (Utah Code Title 67, Chapter 1a)

A person must be at least 30 years old at the time of election to be eligible for the office of Lieutenant Governor. Candidates must also be residents of the state for at least five years and a qualified voter. The Lieutenant Governor runs with the Governor.

C.L. MILLER, UTAH'S 1ST LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR, DIES

By Deseret News Sep 15, 1988

Clyde L. Miller, Utah's first lieutenant governor, died Sept. 14, 1988, in a Salt Lake care center of natural causes. He was 78.

Mr. Miller, a Democrat, held the state's second highest office from 1964-76. For the first 11 years his title was secretary of state, but the position was changed in 1975 to lieutenant governor...When elected secretary of state, Mr. Miller was a state senator...As lieutenant governor, Mr. Miller is remembered most for rewriting state election laws to improve voter registration and absentee voting.

The secretary of the territory preserves all laws and proceedings of the territorial government, transmitting copies to the U.S. President and Congress. The secretary also serves in place of the territorial governor whenever needed.

Hierarchy

Lieutenant Governor