The bill amends existing provisions regarding the duties and responsibilities of presidential electors in South Dakota. It establishes that the office of a presidential elector becomes vacant under specific circumstances, including death, resignation, failure to qualify, or failure to appear at the designated meeting. Additionally, it allows an elector to resign by submitting a letter to the secretary of state. If a vacancy occurs before the meeting of electors, the chair of the political party that nominated the elector must select a replacement immediately and file this selection with the secretary of state. The bill also clarifies the process for electors to fill a vacancy if an elector fails to appear, specifying that the remaining electors must elect a replacement by ballot.

Furthermore, the bill introduces a new requirement that each elector must vote for the candidates for president and vice president who received the highest number of votes in the state's general election. An elector vacates their position if they refuse to vote or attempt to vote for a candidate other than the one receiving the highest votes. In the event of such a vacancy, the remaining electors are required to fill it in the same manner as previously outlined. Overall, the bill aims to ensure that presidential electors adhere to the will of the voters in the state and provides clear procedures for handling vacancies.

Statutes affected:
Senate Engrossed, 02/13/2025: 12-24-2, 12-24-3