This bill amends several sections of South Dakota's election laws regarding the processing of absentee ballots. Key changes include the requirement for the person in charge of the election to create a pollbook listing voters who cast absentee ballots and to ensure that all absentee ballots are forwarded to a designated absentee ballot precinct for counting. The bill also clarifies the powers and duties of the absentee ballot counting board, which is designated as the election board for the absentee ballot precinct, and establishes that the counting process must be open to poll watchers while maintaining voter privacy.

Additionally, the bill allows the absentee counting board to convene prior to the closing of polls on election day for processing absentee ballots, although they cannot manually count or display vote totals until after polls close. It also emphasizes the importance of maintaining records related to absentee ballot requests and prohibits any association between individual voters and their ballots. The bill declares an emergency, indicating that these changes are necessary for the immediate preservation of public peace, health, or safety, and will take effect upon passage and approval.

Statutes affected:
Introduced, 01/29/2026: 12-19-10, 12-19-37, 12-19-41, 12-19-43, 12-19-44, 12-19-45, 12-19-46, 12-19-47
House State Affairs Engrossed, 03/03/2026: 12-19-10, 12-19-37, 12-19-41, 12-19-43, 12-19-44, 12-19-45, 12-19-46, 12-19-47
Enrolled, 03/11/2026: 12-19-10, 12-19-37, 12-19-41, 12-19-43, 12-19-44, 12-19-45, 12-19-46, 12-19-47