SB176 changes how long South Dakota must keep ballots and election materials after elections by establishing a uniform 22-month retention period for all elections—municipal, school district, and nonfederal elections. Previously, the law had different retention periods for different types of elections, so this bill standardizes the timeline across all election types. After 22 months, election officials can destroy the ballots, pollbooks, and related materials, though federal election materials must still be kept for the full 22 months even if combined with state or local ballots.
The amendment extends the period for destroying election ballots and materials from 60 days to 22 months across municipal, nonfederal, school district, and federal elections, and removes the prohibition on destruction if a recount or contest is pending—significantly STRENGTHENING ballot record retention requirements.
Signed by the Governor S.J. 529
Delivered to the Governor S.J. 477
Signed by the Speaker H.J. 516
Signed by the President S.J. 448
House of Representatives Do Pass Passed, YEAS 64, NAYS 1. H.J. 475
State Affairs Do Pass Passed, YEAS 11, NAYS 1.
State Affairs Scheduled for hearing
House of Representatives Referred to House State Affairs H.J. 262
First Reading House H.J. 247
Senate Do Pass Passed, YEAS 34, NAYS 0. S.J. 199
State Affairs Certified uncontested, placed on consent S.J. 15
State Affairs Do Pass Passed, YEAS 9, NAYS 0. S.J. 15
State Affairs Scheduled for hearing
First read in Senate and referred to Senate State Affairs S.J. 141
Prime sponsor · Sen.
R
Prime sponsor · Rep.
R
Cosponsors
Do Pass
State Affairs — Do Pass
Do Pass
State Affairs — Do Pass