The bill amends several provisions related to the processing of absentee ballots in South Dakota, aiming to streamline the election process and enhance the integrity of absentee voting. Key changes include the requirement for the person in charge of the election to deliver absentee ballots to the absentee ballot counting board, and the establishment of a pollbook that lists voters who voted absentee. Additionally, the bill specifies that if an absentee ballot precinct is created, all absentee ballots must be forwarded there for counting, and it outlines the responsibilities of the absentee ballot counting board, including the processing and counting of absentee ballots.

The bill also introduces new procedures for the handling of absentee ballots, such as allowing the absentee counting board to meet before the polls close if necessary, and ensuring that the process of sorting and counting absentee ballots is open to poll watchers. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining voter privacy and prohibits any record that associates an individual voter with a specific ballot. Furthermore, the bill declares an emergency, allowing it to take effect immediately upon passage and approval, highlighting its urgency in preserving public peace, health, or safety.

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