The bill amends various provisions related to voter registration in South Dakota, primarily redefining the terms and criteria for residency. It replaces the existing definition of "residence" with a new definition of "resident," which specifies that an individual must have a physical presence in the state and intend to remain for at least thirty days before an election. Additionally, it clarifies that individuals who are full-time students or active military members retain their residency status while temporarily absent. The bill also introduces provisions allowing individuals without a fixed address to register to vote by providing alternative addresses, such as a homeless shelter or a general delivery address.

Furthermore, the bill establishes new requirements for voter registration documentation, mandating that applicants provide proof of U.S. citizenship. It outlines acceptable forms of documentation and specifies that individuals registered before July 1, 2025, are considered to have met citizenship requirements without needing to submit additional documentation. The bill also allows individuals who have moved to another state but were previously registered in South Dakota to vote in presidential elections under certain conditions. Lastly, it updates the procedures for maintaining and safeguarding voter registration files, ensuring that sensitive information remains confidential while still being accessible for public inspection.

Statutes affected:
Introduced, 01/08/2025: 12-1-4, 12-4-1, 12-4-1.2, 12-4-5, 12-4-9, 12-4-12