FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 26, 2026

Contact: Josie Harms

Gov. Rhoden Signs Election Integrity Bills into Law

PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Larry Rhoden signed six election integrity bills, including the South Dakota SAVE Act, Senate Bill 175, which requires that an individual provides proof of citizenship when registering to vote.

“In South Dakota, we do things right, especially when running our state elections,” said Governor Larry Rhoden. “This bill ensures only citizens vote in state elections, keeping our elections safe and secure.”

Senate Bill 175 only applies to state elections and only impacts new registrants. If a South Dakota resident is already registered to vote, there is nothing for that individual to do to maintain their registration. If a South Dakota resident is already registered to vote and needs to change their name, address, or other information, no proof of citizenship is necessary.

Senate Bill 175 has an “emergency clause,” which means it took effect immediately upon the Governor’s signature. Since it passed both legislative chambers a few weeks ago, the Governor’s Office, the Secretary of State’s Office, and the five state agencies required to assist with voter registration have been working to implement these new legal requirements. In South Dakota, state agencies already verify citizenship for different programs, so implementation of this citizenship verification requirement was a smooth process.

To check your voter registration status, navigate to the “Voter Information Portal” on the Secretary of State’s website here.

Governor Rhoden also signed the following five bills:

• SB 142 amends the requirements for filing certain campaign finance disclosure statements;
• SB 151 requires the publication of the results of an election for precinct committeeman or committeewoman and declares an emergency;
• SB 171 amends provisions pertaining to the processing of absentee ballots and declares an emergency;
• SB 214 amends provisions pertaining to the publication of the statewide voter registration file; and
• HB 1095 modifies provisions pertaining to the submission of a nominating petition.

Governor Rhoden has signed 228 bills into law and vetoed two this legislative session.

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