The bill amends several sections of South Dakota's election laws to revise the process for requesting a recount in various electoral scenarios. Specifically, it allows candidates for legislative positions who are defeated by a margin not exceeding two percent to file a recount petition within three days of the official canvass. The bill also stipulates that if the recount involves a legislative district spanning multiple counties, the candidate can request to be present at each county's recount, which must be completed within fourteen days of the petition filing.

Additionally, the bill modifies the recount request process for candidates in non-legislative offices and for statewide questions. Candidates defeated by a margin not exceeding one-fourth of one percent can file a petition within three days of the official canvass, while a similar provision is established for statewide questions, allowing registered voters to petition for a recount if the margin is within the same threshold. The amendments aim to streamline the recount process and ensure timely and transparent election results.

Statutes affected:
Introduced, 01/30/2025: 12-21-11, 12-21-12, 12-21-14, 12-21-15
Enrolled, 03/10/2025: 12-21-11, 12-21-12, 12-21-14, 12-21-15