The bill amends several sections of South Dakota law regarding the submission and withdrawal of nominating petitions for candidates seeking elective municipal and school board offices. Key changes include the specification that candidates must file their nominating petitions with the municipal finance officer or school district business manager by 5 p.m. local time on the third Tuesday of March or August, depending on the election date. The bill also clarifies that candidates may withdraw their nominations by submitting a written request under oath before a specified deadline, and it establishes that 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 issued to any unopposed candidate.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that nominating petitions for candidates must be on a prescribed form and contain specific information, including the candidate's name, residential address, and the office sought. It also outlines the verification process for the petitions, ensuring that they contain the required number of signatures from registered voters. The amendments aim to streamline the nomination process and ensure clarity in the election procedures for municipal and school board elections in South Dakota.

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
House Engrossed, 02/05/2026: 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
Enrolled, 03/04/2026: 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