This bill amends various provisions related to municipal and school district elections in South Dakota, introducing new definitions and clarifying voting eligibility requirements. Notably, it defines "in conjunction with" as a temporal phrase regarding election timing and "combined with" as the sharing of governmental responsibilities for an election. The bill also modifies the language surrounding voter registration, specifying that individuals must be registered as voters of the municipality or school district and reside there at the time of the election. It establishes criteria for residency, including living in the area for at least thirty days each year, being a full-time postsecondary student who resided in the area prior to education, or being on active military duty with a home of record in the municipality or school district.

Additionally, the bill outlines the process for challenging an individual's right to vote, particularly when elections are combined with others, and mandates that challenges must be conducted before the precinct election board. It also updates the requirements for publishing notices of elections and the availability of absentee ballots, ensuring that they are accessible in a timely manner. Sections of the bill are declared to be effective immediately due to an emergency declaration, while others will take effect on December 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced, 01/02/2026: 9-13-4.1, 9-13-6, 9-13-13, 9-13-21, 13-7-4.2, 13-7-5, 13-7-8, 13-7-13