This bill amends several sections of South Dakota law regarding the requirements for nominating petitions and initiative petitions. Specifically, it mandates that individuals signing these petitions must provide their name, signature, current registered address, county of registration, and the date of signing. Additionally, it stipulates that signatures will not be counted if the signer is not a registered voter in the indicated county or if the provided information is inaccurate or incomplete. The Secretary of State is tasked with examining and cataloging these petitions and making them publicly available, while also ensuring that a random sample of signatures is generated and validated within a specified timeframe.

Furthermore, the bill outlines the conditions under which an individual may sign a candidate's nominating petition, including restrictions based on the timing of the signature, voter eligibility, and party affiliation. It requires that the circulator of the petition and the signer include their registered address and county, and it specifies that a formal declaration of candidacy must accompany the petition. The bill also emphasizes the importance of accurate verification of the petition by the circulator, with penalties for false attestations. Overall, these amendments aim to enhance the integrity and transparency of the petition process in South Dakota.

Statutes affected:
Introduced, 02/05/2025: 2-1-1, 2-1-15, 12-6-8
House State Affairs Engrossed, 02/13/2025: 2-1-1, 2-1-15, 12-6-8
Enrolled, 03/11/2025: 2-1-1, 2-1-15, 12-6-8