This bill aims to prohibit the use of voter centers in South Dakota counties by amending various sections of the election law. Notably, it deletes the definition of "vote center" from current law, which previously allowed for polling places where voters could cast their ballots regardless of precinct boundaries. The bill also makes several amendments to definitions related to voter registration and election processes, including the introduction of terms such as "independent candidate" and "paid circulator," while removing outdated definitions.

Additionally, the bill modifies the requirements for nominating petitions and the appointment of election officials, ensuring that all election processes adhere to traditional precinct-based voting rather than the more flexible vote center model. It emphasizes the necessity for paper ballots and pollbooks in precincts, reinforcing the structure of local elections. Overall, the legislation seeks to revert to a more conventional voting system by eliminating the option for vote centers and reinforcing the importance of precincts in the electoral process.

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