South Dakota Senate committee votes to remove some voter residency requirements

The requirement that a person must demonstrate that they live in a permanent dwelling before they can vote in South Dakota has been removed by a Senate committee.

SB17 would also remove the requirement that a voter maintain a residence 30-days before registering to vote.

The measure passed the Senate State Affairs Committee 7-0.

Proponents say the current law’s 30-day residence requirement and “permanent dwelling” provisions are unconstitutional.

Deputy Secretary of State Tom Deadrick says voting is a constitutional right.

The bill now goes to the full Senate.

January 22, 2023