This bill amends South Dakota's voter registration laws to clarify the residency requirements for individuals applying to register to vote or vote by absentee ballot. It specifies that if an individual uses only the address of a commercial mail receiving agency, mail forwarding service, or post office box without providing a description of their actual residence, they do not meet the residency requirements and can only be registered as a "federal voter." The county auditor is responsible for indicating this status and providing a ballot that includes only federal offices, such as candidates for United States senator, United States representative, and president and vice president.

Additionally, the bill establishes that the ballots of federal voters will be counted alongside resident voter ballots in the precinct where they are registered or in an absentee precinct. The new provisions aim to ensure that only individuals with a permanent residence in South Dakota can register as full voters, while still allowing those who meet the criteria for federal voting to participate in federal elections. The bill is set to take effect on January 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced, 02/01/2025: 12-1-4
House State Affairs Engrossed, 02/07/2025: 12-1-4
Senate State Affairs Engrossed, 03/06/2025: 12-1-4
Enrolled, 03/12/2025: 12-1-4