Signed by Governor Kristi Noem

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to adopt a conference report and pass a bill that amends the date of the state primary.

Highlights:

• Requires any primary election scheduled to be held from April 14, 2020, through May 26, 2020, be postponed in the interest of public health and safety to any Tuesday in June of 2020 (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that if the governing body chooses to hold the primary election on the first Tuesday, June 2, 2020, then the following provisions and regulations are required (Sec. 1):

• The combined election shall be subject to approval by the county commission of any county in which the political subdivision is located;

• Any expense from a combined election shall be apportioned in a manner agreed upon by the governing body of the subdivision and county commission; and

• Any other obligation arising under state law for either election shall be handled and agreed upon by the political subdivision and county commission.

• Requires that upon primary election rescheduling, the individual in charge of the election shall use any and all reasonable means necessary to notify any eligible voter and publish a notice once each week for the 2 consecutive weeks prior to the election (Sec. 1).

• Requires that for any election postponed under this act, any absentee voting period that opened prior to postponement shall be extended through 5:00 P.M. local time the day before the new election date (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that this act shall be repealed on December 31, 2020 (Sec. 2).

• Specifies that for the purposes of this act, and for the support of the state government and its existing public institutions, an emergency is declared to exist and this act shall be in full effect from and after its passage and approval (Sec. 3).

Full Bill Text