The bill amends existing provisions regarding the duties and responsibilities of presidential electors in South Dakota. It introduces a new section that specifies the conditions under which the office of a presidential elector becomes vacant, 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. The bill also mandates that 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.

Furthermore, the bill clarifies the process for filling vacancies among electors. If an elector fails to appear, the remaining electors must elect a replacement by ballot. In cases where multiple individuals receive an equal number of votes, the Governor or, if absent, the secretary of state will determine who fills the vacancy. The bill also establishes that each elector must vote for the candidates receiving the highest number of votes in the state's general election, and it outlines the circumstances under which an elector vacates their position, such as refusing to vote or attempting to vote for a different candidate.

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