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 paper and in a specific format, mandates voting in private booths, and ensures that no individual race or ballot question is divided between pages. The bill emphasizes the importance of maintaining voter privacy and includes provisions for hand counting of ballots, processing absentee ballots without automatic tabulating machines, and conducting vote counting publicly with observers present.

Additionally, the bill repeals previous provisions related to automatic tabulating systems, including testing protocols, post-election audit procedures, and requirements for election officials and equipment. This repeal aims to streamline election processes by removing outdated regulations. The legislation also introduces a new effective date of December 1, 2026, allowing time for election officials and stakeholders to adapt to the changes. Overall, the bill is designed to enhance the integrity and transparency of the electoral process in South Dakota by eliminating electronic voting systems and reinforcing traditional voting methods.

Statutes affected:
Introduced, 01/08/2026: 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, 12-19-52