The bill amends South Dakota election laws regarding the timing of the canvass of votes. Specifically, it changes the requirement for when the canvass must be conducted from "within six calendar days after the close of any election" to a new schedule where the canvass will take place "at nine a.m. local time on the first Tuesday following the election." Additionally, it allows members of the governing board to designate a representative to attend the official canvass in their absence and mandates that the time and place of the canvass be posted on the secretary of state's website.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the timeline for the Board of State Canvassers to open and examine election returns. Instead of doing so "within seven days after the day of election," the board is now required to do this "at nine a.m. central time on the second Tuesday following the election." If all returns from each county are not received by that time, the board may adjourn for a period not to exceed ten days to obtain the necessary returns before proceeding with the canvass.

Statutes affected:
Introduced, 02/04/2026: 12-20-36, 12-20-47