The secretary of state supervises three areas: elections, corporations, and the state archives. S/he also may represent the state as part of international trade and cultural delegations. S/he is second in line to assume the governorship in the event that office is vacated. The secretary of state serves a four-year term.
The state treasurer is the chief financial officer for the state. S/he provides banking, cash management, investment and accounting services for Washington’s state government. The state treasurer is elected to a four-year term.
The state auditor promotes accountability, fiscal integrity and openness in state and local government. Her/his mission is to ensure the effective use of public resources. S/he develops the audit protocols, conducts performance audits and carries out special investigations of alleged fraud against government. The state auditor serves a four-year term.
The attorney general is the chief legal officer of the state. S/he provides legal services to state agencies, commissions and boards and enforces antitrust provisions. Consumer protection, government accountability and community safety are the areas s/he monitors. The attorney general is elected to a four-year term.
The commissioner of public lands heads the department of natural resources which oversees 5.6 million acres of state-owned land. The commissioner ensures that the land is well cared for both to protect the natural habitat thereon and also to generate income for the education institutions that are the trust beneficiaries. The commissioner of public lands serves a four-year term.
The superintendent of public instruction is responsible for overseeing the instruction of all public kindergarten through high school students. S/he establishes the learning goals for the public school students and works with the school community to support the students. The superintendent of public instruction is elected to a four-year term.