This bill amends South Dakota's election law regarding the recount process for school board elections. It allows candidates who lose by a margin of two percent or less to request a recount within five days of the official canvass. The business manager of the school district is tasked with setting the time and place for the recount and appointing a recount board, which will consist of individuals chosen by each candidate eligible to participate in the recount. If the recount board has an even number of members, the business manager must appoint an additional member who is agreeable to all candidates involved. If an agreement cannot be reached, the secretary of state will appoint this additional member.

Furthermore, the bill stipulates that the recount must be completed before the annual meeting of the school board, ensuring that the process is conducted in a timely manner. The language clarifies the responsibilities of the business manager and the recount board, emphasizing that all questions arising during the recount will be resolved by majority vote and that the recount must proceed as expeditiously as reasonably possible.

Statutes affected:
Introduced, 01/26/2026: 13-7-19.2