This bill amends South Dakota's election laws to enhance the transparency and accountability of the voting process by requiring the publication of the cast vote record from automatic tabulating equipment. Key changes include the stipulation that the procedure for tabulating votes must be directed by the election official and conform to the equipment's specifications. The results produced by the equipment are now classified as immediate unofficial returns, which, along with the cast vote record and any ballot images, are designated as public records. Additionally, definitions for "ballot image" and "cast vote record" are provided to clarify their meanings within the context of the law.

Furthermore, the bill appropriates $516,000 from the general fund to the Secretary of State to provide grants to county auditors for implementing these changes. It outlines the process for approving expenditures related to the Act and specifies that any unspent funds by June 30, 2028, will revert according to established procedures. The Act is set to take effect on June 30, 2025, ensuring that the necessary preparations can be made for its implementation.

Statutes affected:
Introduced, 01/27/2025: 12-17B-13
Senate Local Government Engrossed, 02/05/2025: 12-17B-13