This bill amends several provisions related to the maintenance and publication of the statewide voter registration file in South Dakota. 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 any primary or general election and maintain a rolling 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 complete 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 on their website and ensuring that county auditors transmit daily updates regarding changes to the master registration file. The bill also outlines rules for the establishment and maintenance of the statewide voter registration file, including the identification of duplicate registrations and the fees associated with obtaining voter registration information. Violations of the provisions regarding the use of voter registration information are classified as a Class 1 misdemeanor, with potential civil 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