The bill amends several sections of South Dakota's election laws to clarify the definition of residency for voting purposes. It redefines "resident" to mean an individual who maintains a fixed, permanent dwelling where they live and usually sleep for at least thirty consecutive days. The bill specifies 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 a person loses residency when moving to another state.

Additionally, the bill introduces provisions for individuals who register to vote using only a commercial mail receiving agency or post office box as their residence address. Such individuals do not meet the residency requirements and may only register as "national voters," allowing them to vote in federal elections for president, vice president, and congressional representatives. The county auditor is tasked with preparing a specific ballot for national voters, which will be counted alongside resident voter ballots in the precinct where they are registered.

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