PIERRE, S.D. (SDBA) — A bill tightening South Dakota’s voter residency requirements narrowly passes a House committee today (Wednesday).
That is despite concerns about enforcement and potential voter disenfranchisement.
The House State Affairs Committee voted 7-6 to advance House Bill 1066. It aims to define more clearly who can vote in state elections. The bill would require voters to prove they actually live in South Dakota.
“South Dakota’s residency requirements for voting have been very lax and very vague, which leads to potential abuse,” said Rep. Tony Kaiser, R-Sioux Falls, the bill’s sponsor.
Mail-forwarding businesses opposed the measure, arguing it could harm their customers who use South Dakota addresses while traveling.
“These are real people who just want their right to vote,” said Amber Hobert, president of Dakota Post, noting her customers pay millions in vehicle registration fees and other taxes.
Some county election officials also opposed the measure as unworkable.
The committee removed a controversial section requiring specific documents to prove residency when challenged at polling places.
The bill now heads to the full House. The Senate is considering similar measures, where Secretary of State Monae Johnson has introduced three related bills.
