The proposed bill seeks to prohibit the use of automatic tabulating equipment and electronic ballot marking systems in South Dakota elections. It establishes that the State Board of Elections cannot authorize these technologies, and political subdivisions are also restricted from adopting them. The bill mandates that all official ballots be printed on high-quality bond paper, prohibits the division of individual races or ballot questions between pages, and requires that all voting occurs in private booths. Furthermore, it stipulates that ballot counting must be conducted manually and publicly, eliminating the use of automatic tabulating machines.

In addition to these prohibitions, the bill includes significant amendments to existing laws, repealing several sections related to the testing and operation of automatic tabulating equipment. This includes the removal of requirements for testing equipment, sealing and verification processes, and the presence of electronic ballot marking systems at polling places. The bill also eliminates the need for post-election audits and the associated procedures, which may raise concerns regarding the integrity and transparency of the electoral process. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance electoral integrity by ensuring that all voting and counting procedures are conducted manually and under public observation, while also streamlining the election process for officials.

Statutes affected:
Introduced, 02/05/2025: 12-16-2, 12-18-1, 12-19-43, 12-20-1, 12-20-13, 12-20-13.1, 12-20-13.2, 12-21-24, 61-1-36, 12-17B-1, 12-17B-2, 12-17B-3, 12-17B-4, 12-17B-5, 12-17B-5.1, 12-17B-5.2, 12-17B-6, 12-17B-6.1, 12-17B-7, 12-17B-9, 12-17B-10, 12-17B-11, 12-17B-12, 12-17B-13, 12-17B-13.1, 12-17B-14, 12-17B-15, 12-17B-16, 12-17B-17, 12-17B-18, 12-17B-19, 12-17B-20, 12-17B-21, 12-17B-22, 12-17B-23, 12-17B-24, 12-17B-25