The bill revises the definitions and provisions related to residency for voting purposes in South Dakota. It amends the definition of "resident" to specify that an individual must maintain a fixed, permanent dwelling where they live and usually sleep for at least thirty consecutive days. The bill clarifies that an individual remains a resident of the state during temporary absences if they intend to return. It also establishes that an individual can only be a resident of one place and outlines the conditions under which an individual loses residency when moving to another state.

Additionally, the bill introduces new provisions regarding voter registration for individuals who use only a commercial mail receiving agency or post office box as their residence address. Such individuals do not meet the residency requirements for voting in South Dakota and may only register as national voters, which limits their voting to federal offices. The county auditor is tasked with preparing a specific ballot for national voters, which includes only candidates for federal positions. The bill ensures that the ballots of national voters are counted alongside resident voter ballots in their precinct.

Statutes affected:
Introduced, 02/05/2025: 12-1-4, 12-4-1, 12-4-1.2, 12-18-10
Senate State Affairs Engrossed, 02/12/2025: 12-1-4, 12-4-1, 12-4-1.2, 12-18-10