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 do so if they are not disqualified by law and meet certain conditions, including 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 overseas or uniformed services voter.

Additionally, the bill updates 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 clarifies that the application must be stamped upon receipt by the election authority. The bill further establishes that voters may apply for absentee ballots in person starting fifteen days before the election and outlines provisions for voters confined due to sickness or disability to obtain ballots through an authorized messenger.

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