This bill amends several sections of South Dakota law regarding the maintenance and publication of the statewide voter registration file. Key changes include the requirement for county auditors to maintain a digital master registration file that includes detailed information about registered voters and their absentee ballot applications. The bill mandates that this master registration file be open to public inspection, while protecting sensitive personal information such as social security numbers and birth dates from public access. Additionally, the county auditor is required to produce a record of the master registration file the day before elections and maintain a five-year archive of historical information.

Furthermore, the bill establishes a new requirement for the Secretary of State to maintain a rolling five-year historical archive of the statewide voter registration file, which must also be made available free of charge, with similar protections for sensitive information. The Secretary of State is tasked with posting weekly updates to the statewide voter registration file and ensuring that county auditors transmit daily updates. The bill also outlines rules for the establishment and maintenance of the voter registration file, including fees for accessing certain information, and reinforces that any information obtained from these files cannot be sold or used for commercial purposes, with violations subject to penalties.

Statutes affected:
Introduced, 01/15/2025: 12-4-9, 12-4-37, 12-4-39, 12-4-41
House State Affairs Engrossed, 01/27/2025: 12-4-9, 12-4-37, 12-4-39, 12-4-41
Senate Engrossed, 03/11/2025: 12-4-9, 12-4-37, 12-4-39, 12-4-41
Enrolled, 03/12/2025: 12-4-9, 12-4-37, 12-4-39, 12-4-41