25.163.12 100th Legislative Session 20
2025 South Dakota Legislature
Senate Bill 20
SENATE ENGROSSED
Introduced by: The Chair of the Committee on Local Government at the request of the Secretary of State
Underscores indicate new language.
Overstrikes indicate deleted language.
An Act to require a voter use a pen when marking a ballot. 1
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF SOUTH DAKOTA: 2
Section 1. That § 12-18-16 be AMENDED: 3
12-18-16. If a paper ballot or optical scan ballot is used, the voter may use a 4
pencil or must use a black ink ballpoint pen to mark the voter's ballot and the voter may 5
mark the ballot with either a cross (x) or check mark (√). 6
Section 2. That § 12-18-16.1 be REPEALED. 7
If an optical scan ballot is used, the voter may use a pencil or other marking 8
instrument provided to mark the voter's choice on the ballot. 9