The bill aims to prohibit the use of voter centers in South Dakota counties by amending existing election laws. Key changes include the deletion of the definition of "vote center" from the law, which previously allowed for polling places where voters could cast their ballots regardless of precinct boundaries. Additionally, the bill introduces new definitions for terms such as "Independent" or "no party affiliation," "Independent candidate," and "Paid circulator," while also updating the language regarding nominating petitions and the responsibilities of election officials.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that the county auditor appoint election officials for each voting precinct, explicitly removing any reference to vote centers. It also clarifies the requirements for post-election audits and the handling of absentee ballots, ensuring that all procedures align with traditional precinct-based voting rather than the vote center model. Overall, the legislation seeks to reinforce a more conventional approach to election administration in South Dakota by eliminating the flexibility provided by vote centers.

Statutes affected:
Introduced, 01/27/2025: 12-1-3, 12-6-7, 12-15-1, 12-17B-20, 12-19-9, 12-16-28, 12-14-17