This bill amends existing laws regarding the retention and destruction of election materials in South Dakota. It introduces a new section to chapter 9-13, stipulating that the returns from municipal elections must be certified by the precinct election board, with ballots and pollbooks placed in the custody of the municipal finance officer. The finance officer is authorized to destroy voted ballots, pollbooks, and other election materials related to municipal elections twenty-two months after the election.

Additionally, the bill amends sections 12-20-31 and 13-7-17, which govern the destruction of election materials for nonfederal and school district elections, respectively. Both sections now specify that the person in charge of an election may destroy these materials twenty-two months after the election. The amendments clarify that federal election materials must also be maintained for the same period, ensuring the integrity and safety of the materials used in elections that involve both federal and state or local issues.

Statutes affected:
Introduced, 01/29/2026: 12-20-31, 13-7-17
Enrolled, 03/03/2026: 12-20-31, 13-7-17