An Act to modify provisions pertaining to applying for an absentee ballot application and to declare an emergency.

Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of South Dakota:

Section 1. That § 12-19-2.1 be AMENDED:

12-19-2.1. At anytime any time prior to an election, a voter may apply for an absentee ballot in person at the office of and to the person in charge of the election for an absentee ballot during regular office hours up to 5:00 or until five p.m. on the day before the election, whichever is later. If the voter applies in person, the voter shall must complete a combined absentee ballot application/return envelope and show the person in charge of the election the voter's identification card as required in § 12-18-6.1 or complete the affidavit as provided in § 12-18-6.2.

In the event of confinement because of sickness or disability, a qualified voter may apply in writing pursuant to the provisions of § 12-19-2 in writing and obtain an absentee ballot by authorized messenger so designated over the signature of the voter. The person in charge of the election may deliver shall provide the ballot to be delivered to the qualified voter to the authorized messenger a ballot to be delivered to the qualified voter. Any. An application for to have a ballot delivered by authorized messenger must be received by the person in charge of the election before 3:00 three p.m. on the day of the election. If the application designating an authorized messenger also indicates a request for an absentee ballot for any future election, such the absentee ballot shall must be mailed to the address provided on the application. If no address is provided, the ballot shall must be mailed to the person's voter registration address.

Section 2. Whereas, this Act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, an emergency is hereby declared to exist, and this Act shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and approval.