The secretary of state is authorized to appoint, and, within the limits of the appropriations to his department, to fix the compensation of such clerks and employees as may be necessary in the performance of the duties of his office. He shall designate one employee as deputy secretary of state, who shall have resided in this state at least two years prior to his appointment, and who shall possess all the powers and perform any of the duties prescribed by law to be performed by the secretary of state, when and for such periods of time as the secretary of state may designate. The secretary of state and his sureties on his official bond shall be responsible for the official acts of the deputy secretary of state, and whenever he signs the name of the secretary of state, under authority of law, or in any official capacity, he shall add thereafter his own name as the deputy secretary of state.