The proposed bill seeks to prohibit the use of automatic tabulating equipment and electronic ballot marking systems in South Dakota elections, stating that the State Board of Elections cannot authorize such systems and that political subdivisions are barred from adopting them. It amends existing laws to require that all official ballots be printed on quality bond paper, specifies the format for candidate names, and mandates that no individual race or ballot question may be divided between pages. The bill emphasizes that all voting must occur in private booths and reinforces the requirement for hand counting of ballots, with election officials required to audit the ballot count immediately after polls close.

Additionally, the bill repeals several sections related to the testing and auditing of automatic tabulating equipment, including the requirements for testing with specific ballots, sealing and verifying equipment, and post-election audits. It eliminates the need for sufficient voting equipment to prevent long wait times and removes the requirement for electronic ballot marking systems at polling places with federal candidates. By streamlining the election process and reducing regulatory burdens, the bill aims to enhance the integrity and transparency of elections, although it raises concerns about the potential impact on election accuracy due to the removal of established procedural safeguards.

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