This bill amends various provisions related to the timing and conduct of municipal and school district elections in South Dakota. Key changes include the requirement that if a petition is filed within ninety days prior to a regular municipal election, the question must be submitted at that election rather than waiting for a special election. The bill also specifies that special elections will be conducted under the charge of the municipal finance officer and outlines the timing requirements for elections related to annexation, dissolution, and the employment of a city manager. Additionally, it establishes that regular municipal elections will occur in odd-numbered years on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in June, and school district elections will be held in conjunction with municipal elections.

Further amendments clarify the responsibilities of governing bodies in managing elections, including the requirement for public notices and the sharing of expenses for combined elections. The bill repeals several sections related to the timing and organization of municipal and school board elections, which previously mandated that these elections be held in conjunction with regular June primary or November general elections in even-numbered years. It also introduces new requirements for municipalities and school districts to designate the number of vacancies and the length of terms for each vacancy, not exceeding four years, and stipulates that any office holder whose term was set to expire in 2026, 2028, or 2030 will have their term extended until a new candidate is elected and qualified. Overall, these changes aim to streamline the election process and provide clarity on the responsibilities of governing bodies and school boards.

Statutes affected:
Introduced, 02/04/2026: 9-4-4.7, 9-5-3, 9-5-5, 9-5-7, 9-6-10, 9-7-3, 9-8-1, 9-8-2, 9-8-4, 9-8-7, 9-9-3, 9-9-8, 9-10-1, 9-10-5, 9-10-6, 9-11-6, 9-11-9, 9-13-1, 9-13-1.1, 9-13-14, 9-13-14.1, 9-13-14.2, 9-13-16, 9-13-16.2, 9-13-31, 9-13-41, 9-20-11, 13-7-5, 13-7-10, 13-7-10.1, 13-7-30, 13-8-2, 34A-5-20, 9-13-37, 13-7-10.3, 13-7-34