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 after the official canvass. The secretary of state is required to notify the relevant county auditors, who will then conduct the recount. Additionally, the bill stipulates that if a candidate requests to be present at each county's recount, the board will convene at a mutually agreed time. The recount must be completed within fourteen days of the petition filing.

For candidates in non-legislative offices defeated by a margin of one-fourth of one percent, the bill similarly allows for a recount petition to be filed within three days after the official canvass. It also establishes a process for voters to request a recount on statewide questions if the margin is within one-fourth of one percent, requiring a petition signed by at least one thousand registered voters from at least five counties. Furthermore, the bill allows for a recount of presidential elector votes if the margin is within one-fourth of one percent, with petitions filed before the official canvass. Overall, the amendments aim to streamline and clarify the recount process across different electoral contexts.

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