The bill introduces significant amendments to the laws governing municipal elections in South Dakota, primarily focusing on the timing and procedures for these elections. A notable change is the provision allowing municipalities to conduct regular elections exclusively in even-numbered years, which necessitates extending the terms of office holders whose terms would typically end in odd-numbered years. Additionally, the bill mandates that if a petition for a special election is submitted on or after January 1st before a regular municipal election, the issue must be presented during that election.

Further clarifications are made regarding the procedures for special elections, including the timeline for calling such elections and the notification requirements for voters. The bill also revises definitions related to municipal governance, such as the terms of office for trustees and the process for filling vacancies. It specifies that the number of signers required for a nominating petition is based on the previous year's registered voters if filed before the second Tuesday in January, and it establishes that each ward serves as an election precinct. Overall, these amendments aim to streamline the election process and enhance the flexibility of municipalities in managing their electoral schedules.

Statutes affected:
Introduced, 01/05/2026: 9-4-4.7, 9-5-3, 9-5-5, 9-5-7, 9-6-10, 9-7-3, 9-8-2, 9-8-4, 9-8-7, 9-9-3, 9-9-8, 9-10-1, 9-10-5, 9-10-6, 9-11-6, 9-11-9, 9-13-1, 9-13-14, 9-13-14.1, 9-13-14.2, 9-13-16, 9-13-16.2, 9-13-31, 9-13-41, 9-20-11
Senate Engrossed, 02/10/2026: 9-1-1, 9-4-4.7, 9-5-3, 9-5-5, 9-5-7, 9-6-10, 9-7-3, 9-8-2, 9-8-4, 9-8-7, 9-9-3, 9-9-8, 9-10-1, 9-10-5, 9-10-6, 9-11-6, 9-11-9, 9-13-1, 9-13-14, 9-13-14.1, 9-13-14.2, 9-13-16, 9-13-16.2, 9-13-31, 9-13-41, 9-20-11
Enrolled, 02/17/2026: 9-1-1, 9-4-4.7, 9-5-3, 9-5-5, 9-5-7, 9-6-10, 9-7-3, 9-8-2, 9-8-4, 9-8-7, 9-9-3, 9-9-8, 9-10-1, 9-10-5, 9-10-6, 9-11-6, 9-11-9, 9-13-1, 9-13-14, 9-13-14.1, 9-13-14.2, 9-13-16, 9-13-16.2, 9-13-31, 9-13-41, 9-20-11