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, including being absent from their registered county on election day, being unable to vote at their polling place due to various reasons (such as physical disability, illness, or employment), serving as a juror, or being an absent uniformed services voter or overseas voter. Additionally, the bill establishes different timelines for when absentee voting begins, with a 15-day advance for most voters and a 46-day advance for uniformed and overseas voters.

The bill also revises the application process for absentee ballots, requiring individuals to apply in writing between ten and ninety days before the election and to provide specific personal information, including their name, voter registration address, date of birth, and social security number. It 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. Furthermore, it allows voters to apply for absentee ballots in person 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