05:02:23:15.  Reimbursement of post-election audit costs. The county auditor shall submit expenses from the post-election audit to the secretary of state for reimbursement. The auditor shall use the forms designated by the secretary of state for this purpose.

    Reimbursable expenses for the audit, are:

    (1)  Board member pay for conducting the audit and for training prior to the audit, not to exceed twenty-five dollars per hour worked but no less than minimum wage;

    (2)  Supplies, including postage, no more than two hundred dollars;

    (3)  Rental costs for the location to conduct the audit, no more than two hundred fifty dollars per day;

    (4)  Publication costs, no more than one hundred seventy-five dollars;

    (5)  Ballot storage costs, no more than seventy-five dollars;

    (6)  Travel (mileage) costs at the state per diem rate for every mile traveled;

    (7)  Meal reimbursement at state per diem meal rates; and

    (8)  Auditor and auditor's staff actual wages for hours spent training and assisting the post- election audit board.

    Expenses related to or associated with the primary or general election are not reimbursable post-election expenses. To avoid confusion, expenses that are not covered are costs related to media programming, ballot printing, ballot shipping, equipment maintenance, statewide ballot question publications, purchasing of election equipment (express votes, tabulators), polling place signage, testing costs, election day workers, postage, and insurance on voting equipment.

    Source: 50 SDR 66, effective December 5, 2023.

    General Authority: SDCL 12-1-9(4)(11).

    Law Implemented: SDCL 12-17B-9.