(a) The Secretary, with the approval of the Governor, may appoint a Deputy Secretary to serve at his or her pleasure and to perform such duties as the Secretary prescribes. The Deputy Secretary shall be exempt from the classified service. The appointment shall be in writing and recorded in the Office of the Secretary of State.

(b) The Deputy Secretary shall discharge the duties and responsibilities of the Secretary in the Secretary's absence. In case a vacancy occurs in the Office of the Secretary the Deputy shall assume and discharge the duties of the office until the vacancy is filled. (Added 1969, No. 271 (Adj. Sess.), § 4(d), eff. Jan. 10, 1971; amended 1989, No. 67, § 20.)