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 register as a "federal voter." The bill defines a federal voter as someone eligible to vote in federal elections, including for presidential electors, U.S. senators, and U.S. representatives.

Additionally, the bill mandates that county auditors prepare a ballot for federal voters that includes only candidates for federal offices. These ballots will be counted alongside resident voter ballots in the precinct where the federal voter is registered or in an absentee precinct. The provisions of this Act will 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