The bill amends South Dakota's absentee voting laws to clarify and expand the eligibility criteria for individuals wishing to vote by absentee ballot. It specifies that an individual registered to vote may vote absentee if they are not disqualified by law and meet certain conditions, such as being absent from their registered county on election day, being unable to vote at their polling place due to physical disability, illness, religious observance, educational commitments, or employment, receiving care at a facility, serving as a juror, or being an absent uniformed services or overseas voter.

Additionally, the bill modifies the application process for absentee ballots, requiring individuals to apply at least three business days before the election and to provide specific information, including their name, voter registration address, date of birth, and the reason for requesting the absentee ballot. It also mandates that the application include a copy of the voter's identification card and establishes a timeline for in-person applications starting fifteen days before the election. The bill updates references to the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act to align with current legal standards.

Statutes affected:
Introduced, 02/02/2025: 12-19-1, 12-19-1.2, 12-19-2, 12-19-2.1
Senate State Affairs Engrossed, 02/21/2025: 12-19-1, 12-19-1.2, 12-19-2, 12-19-2.1