<P> A few states put the secretary of state in charge of the use of public property . In most cases, this means only public buildings (usually the state capitol building), but in Mississippi it also includes some lands that are legally defined as belonging to the state, such as tidelands . </P> <P> Several states grant a technical statutory authority to the secretary of state in the realm of pardons and commutations . In most cases, this is nothing more than the responsibility to affix the state seal upon the governor's proclamation . However, in Delaware and Nebraska, the secretary of state sits on a board of pardons with the governor, and the secretary of state commands equal authority with the governor in any pardoning decisions that are issued . </P> <P> Since the early 1980s, many states have increased efforts to develop direct commercial relations with foreign nations . In several of these states, the state's secretary of state has been given primary responsibility in this area . Despite this, there should be no confusion of the duties of a particular state's secretary of state and those of the United States Secretary of State . The prohibition of the United States Constitution against individual states having diplomatic relations with foreign states is absolute; these recently evolved duties are of a purely commercial nature . </P> <P> In Maine and California, in the event of some electoral ties, it is the secretary of state who determines the winner by drawing lots . In California, this does not extend to primary elections, or to the elections of the Governor or the Lieutenant Governor . In Maine, this duty only applies to primary elections . </P>

What function does the secretary of state serve in most state governments