This bill amends several sections of South Dakota law regarding the submission and withdrawal of nominating petitions for municipal and school board elections. Key changes include the new deadlines for filing nominating petitions, which are now set for the third Tuesday of March for June elections and the third Tuesday of August for November elections. Additionally, the bill specifies that candidates may withdraw their nominations by submitting a written request under oath before a new deadline of five p.m. local time on the first Thursday after the filing deadline. If a candidate withdraws or dies before this deadline, and the number of petitions filed is equal to or less than the number of vacancies, the election may be canceled, and a certificate of election will be issued to the unopposed candidate.

The bill also clarifies the procedures for nominating petitions for political party delegates to national conventions, requiring that these petitions be filed after December 31 and before the third Tuesday of March. Furthermore, it establishes that the nominating petitions must contain specific information about the candidates and their preferences. The bill declares an emergency, indicating that it is necessary for the immediate preservation of public peace, health, or safety, and will take effect immediately upon passage and approval.

Statutes affected:
Introduced, 01/20/2026: 9-13-7, 9-13-7.1, 12-5-3.11, 12-6-4, 12-6-8.1, 13-7-6, 13-7-7
House State Affairs Engrossed, 02/02/2026: 9-13-7, 9-13-7.1, 9-13-37, 12-5-3.11, 12-6-4, 12-6-8.1, 13-7-6, 13-7-7, 13-7-10.3