Chelsea Merrihew Endorsed for County Clerk Run, Announces Candidacy

Chelsea Merrihew announced her candidacy for the Office of the Essex County Clerk today. In 2007, Ms. Merrihew began her career in the Essex County Clerk’s Office, specializing in Records Management. She was responsible for the planning, coordination and oversight of records management projects and writing NYS Archives Local Government Records Management Improvement (LGRMIF) grant applications. Through her work, the office launched its online records system, digitized important historic land records, implemented a modern records management program and received eight consecutive LGRMIF grant awards, totaling $334,400. These achievements were recognized in 2018, when the Essex County Clerk’s Office received the William H. Kelly Annual Archives Award for excellence in local government archival program development. 



In 2019, Ms. Merrihew was appointed to the position of Deputy County Clerk. In that role, she manages the office and oversees personnel. She handles the finances and is responsible for the collection, disbursement and reporting of the monies processed by the office. In 2022, that was 13.5 million dollars. She is also responsible for monitoring pending legislation and reviewing office procedures when Executive Orders are signed or new legislation is passed. 

Upon former County Clerk Joseph Provoncha’ s retirement in November 2022, Ms. Merrihew became the Acting County Clerk. She has retained her duties and responsibilities of Deputy County Clerk while taking on the role of Administrator of the County Clerk’s Office and the Department of Motor Vehicles. 

Ms. Merrihew was unanimously endorsed by the Essex County Republican Committee on December 8, 2022 as their official candidate in the 2023 elections. 

She stated “From the beginning, I have loved the history contained within the office, the humble importance of the work we do, and the many services we provide to the people of Essex County. As a 15-year employee, who has risen through the ranks from an entry-level position into the role of Acting County Clerk, I believe I am uniquely qualified to be the next Essex County Clerk. It is my sincere intention to continue the tradition of excellent customer service and public access that the office is known for and to ensure the needs of the people of Essex County are met in an efficient and professional manner.”