This bill proposes to amend South Dakota law by repealing the requirement that judicial officers be listed on a separate nonpolitical ballot. Specifically, it seeks to amend section 12-16-1, which outlines the procedures for preparing printed ballots for elections, ensuring that all candidates, including judicial officers, are included on the same ballot as other candidates. Additionally, section 12-16-11, which mandates the separate listing of judicial candidates, will be entirely repealed.

By removing this requirement, the bill aims to streamline the election process and integrate judicial candidates into the general ballot, thereby allowing voters to consider all candidates in a single voting process. This change reflects a shift towards a more unified ballot system, potentially increasing voter engagement and simplifying the voting experience.

Statutes affected:
Introduced, 01/22/2025: 12-16-1, 12-16-11
Enrolled, 03/06/2025: 12-16-1, 12-16-11