COUNTY CLERK, in the United States, the chief clerical official of the county. He is elected by the qualified voters of the county for a term, provided by the State Constitution or statute, of two, three or four years. He is eligible for re-election. The county clerk acts as custodian of records of the county court and sometimes of the circuit and district courts for such terms as are held in the county for which he is chosen. He also acts as secretary of the county board of commissioners or supervisors and keeps minutes of their proceedings. In most States other than those of New England, he issues marriage, hunting and other licences, and in many he acts as recorder of legal instruments. The county clerk ordinarily has one or more deputies whom he appoints, often partly because of political work performed on his behalf. Occasionally his assistants are under civil service regula tions.