SD SB171

Amends South Dakota election law to allow absentee ballot counting boards to convene the day before an election and on election day prior to polls closing to process absentee ballots, though counting may not occur until election day

Permits automatic tabulating equipment to count absentee ballots on election day before polls close, provided vote totals are not printed or displayed until after polls close

Requires county party chairpersons to receive at least 10 days advance notice when ballots will be processed by automatic tabulating machines prior to poll closing, with the resolution board present

Limits each county to only one absentee ballot counting board at any time and requires poll watchers be allowed to observe sorting, validating, processing, and counting of absentee ballots

Declared an emergency measure, taking effect immediately upon passage and approval rather than the standard 90-day waiting period