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If you look at the bottom of a Certificate of Ascertainment designating a state's electors, chances are it's been countersigned by the state's Secretary of State (or equivalent official). This is because they are usually the custodian of the state's Great Seal. 1/10
These countersignatures are a relic of British royal practice. In the UK, warrants under the Royal Sign Manual are customarily countersigned by a Minister of the Crown. Until recently, that was usually the Home Secretary, but now it's commonly the Lord Chancellor. 2/10
Many American countersignatures are introduced with a simple "Attest." 3/10
Wisconsin uses "By the Governor," which is reminiscent of the British and Commonwealth practice of using "By Her Majesty's Command." 4/10
South Dakota's is far grander. 6/10
Maine, on the other hand, doesn't preface the countersignature at all. 7/10
In the UK & the Commonwealth, a ministerial countersignature serves a constitutional function by noting that a minister is taking responsibility for the Crown's act. 8/10
But this isn't true in American states. Indeed, a number of states choose the Secretary of State independently of the governor. And as far as I'm aware, American Secretaries of State don't have the power to refuse to affix the seal or countersign an instrument. 9/10
This leaves American countersignatures as a historical curiosity that's simply required by tradition, law, or both. There may not be much of a reason for them, but they also don't really do any harm either. 10/10
