CHAPTER 12-20
RETURN AND CANVASS OF VOTES
12-20-1 Delivery of supplies to counting board--Certificate of transmittal and receipt--Commencement of count--Continuation without adjournment--Comparison and correction of poll lists--Penalty.
12-20-2 Opening of ballot box--Sorting and counting of unopened ballots--Ballots folded together.
12-20-2.1 Return of provisional ballot envelopes and unopened absentee ballots.
12-20-3 Drawing of excess ballots.
12-20-4 12-20-4. Repealed by SL 1974, ch 118, § 200.
12-20-5 Count of votes for candidates--Scrutiny of ballots by precinct deputies--Decisions on disputed ballots.
12-20-5.1 Determination of validity of provisional ballots.
12-20-6 Unstamped ballots not counted.
12-20-7 Ballot not counted when voter's choice indeterminable--Promulgation of rules defining standards.
12-20-8 Precinct superintendent and precinct deputies to record intention of voter.
12-20-9 12-20-9. Repealed by SL 1976, ch 105, § 84.
12-20-10 Blank list for unofficial return of precinct vote for candidates and submitted questions--Return envelope.
12-20-11 Entry of precinct vote on unofficial return list--Return with election returns.
12-20-12 12-20-12. Repealed by SL 1974, ch 118, § 200.
12-20-13 Tabulation and public release of unofficial returns--Entry into central election reporting system.
12-20-13.1 Means of counting provisional ballots--Appointment of officials.
12-20-13.2 Counting provisional ballots--Certification.
12-20-13.3 Counting provisional ballots--Alternate time.
12-20-13.4 Counting provisional ballots--Notice.
12-20-14 12-20-14. Repealed by SL 1981, ch 126, § 1.
12-20-15 State messenger to secure delinquent returns--Expenses deducted from county auditor's salary.
12-20-16 12-20-16. Repealed by SL 1996, ch 94, § 33.
12-20-17 Returns not disclosed until all polls in state closed.
12-20-18 Entry of candidates' votes in precinct pollbooks.
12-20-19 12-20-19. Repealed by SL 1974, ch 118, § 200.
12-20-20 Sealing of ballot boxes after deposit of counted ballots--Violation as misdemeanor.
12-20-21 Return of ballot boxes, returns, records and supplies to officer in charge--Tampering prohibited--Violation as felony.
12-20-21.1 Circumstances requiring report of official returns by telephone.
12-20-21.2 Write-in votes not to be counted--Other votes on ballot.
12-20-22 12-20-22 to 12-20-27. Repealed by SL 1974, ch 118, § 200.
12-20-28 12-20-28. Repealed by SL 1999, ch 69, § 48.
12-20-29 12-20-29, 12-20-30. Repealed by SL 1974, ch 118, § 200.
12-20-31 Destruction of ballots and pollbooks--Period for which held--Pending recount or contest.
12-20-32 Preservation of ballot boxes and pollbooks--Delivery of pollbooks to county canvassing board--Violation as felony.
12-20-33 12-20-33. Repealed by SL 1974, ch 118, § 200.
12-20-34 12-20-34. Repealed by SL 1982, ch 86, § 94.
12-20-35 Returns not refused for irregularity--Certificate issued to candidate with most votes.
12-20-36 Time for canvass of vote--Governing board as canvassing board--Representatives for absent board members.
12-20-37 Secretary of state to provide guidance and direction in making returns.
12-20-38 Abstracts of precinct returns prepared by Board of Canvassers--Certification--Deposit.
12-20-38.1 Certified copy of official county canvass furnished to secretary of state--Permanent record.
12-20-39 Election by plurality.
12-20-40 Certificate of election delivered by county auditor to persons elected to local office.
12-20-41 12-20-41 to 12-20-45. Repealed by SL 1974, ch 118, § 200.
12-20-46 Composition of State Canvassing Board--Candidate disqualified from participation.
12-20-47 Time of convening of state canvassers--Adjournment to obtain late returns.
12-20-48 Abstract by state canvassers of county returns--Signature and seal--Recording and filing of abstracts.
12-20-48.1 National convention slates and votes--Certification.
12-20-49 Certificate of election issued for federal, state or legislative office.
12-20-50 12-20-50. Repealed by SL 1973, ch 76, § 6.
12-20-51 Disputes decided by majority of state canvassers--Irregularities disregarded.
12-20-52 Rules and regulations for counting and canvass of vote.
12-20-1. Delivery of supplies to counting board--Certificate of transmittal and receipt--Commencement of count--Continuation without adjournment--Comparison and correction of poll lists--Penalty.
As soon as the polls are closed, the precinct superintendent and precinct deputies shall audit the ballot count as prescribed in §§ 12-20-2 and 12-20-3. The precinct superintendent and precinct deputies shall then immediately deliver the ballot boxes, registration book, pollbook, and other election supplies, including voided and unused ballots, to the counting board, if appointed, and sign a certificate of transmittal and receipt as prescribed by the State Board of Elections. The members of the precinct election board or the counting board, if appointed, shall then immediately proceed to count publicly, in the presence of all persons desiring to attend the count, the votes received at the polls, and continue without leaving the site of the count until the count is completed. A person charged with implementing this section may not delay the counting of ballots other than to authorize short recesses for the health and wellbeing of those employed to implement this section. In counting the votes, the members of the precinct election board or counting board shall use the tally sheets provided.
Source: SDC 1939, § 16.1701; SL 1975, ch 119, § 11; SL 1976, ch 105, § 68; SL 1993, ch 113, § 13; SL 1993, ch 118, § 20; SL 1999, ch 69, § 39; SL 2002, ch 76; § 7; SL 2021, ch 68, § 1.
12-20-2. Opening of ballot box--Sorting and counting of unopened ballots--Ballots folded together.
The box shall be opened and the ballots taken out, sorted so that all ballots on certain candidacies and issues are separately identified, and counted by the members of the precinct election board unopened, except to ascertain if each ballot is single. If two or more ballots are found folded together and present the appearance of a single ballot, the ballots shall be laid aside until the count of ballots is completed. Upon the comparison of the count with the pollbook and registration list, or in machine precincts, with the number of return envelopes from absentee voters, and the appearance of the ballots, if a majority of the members of the precinct election board are of the opinion that the ballots folded together were voted by one voter, the ballot shall be endorsed, duplicate ballot of one voter not counted. If the ballot count does not agree with the number of votes in the pollbook, a comparison of the voters in the pollbook and the registration list shall be made and the correction of any mistakes shall be made.
Source: SDC 1939, § 16.1701; SL 1974, ch 118, § 150; SL 1978, ch 102, § 1; SL 1993, ch 113, § 14; SL 1999, ch 69, § 40.
12-20-2.1. Return of provisional ballot envelopes and unopened absentee ballots.
If the ballot box is opened for ballot counting at the precinct, each provisional ballot envelope and each unopened absentee ballot shall be removed, placed, and sealed in the provisional or unopened absentee ballot return envelope and returned to the person in charge of the election with the other election supplies.
Source: SL 2003, ch 83, § 3; SL 2010, ch 74, § 20.
12-20-3. Drawing of excess ballots.
Following the comparison of the pollbook and registration list in § 12-20-2, if the ballots in the box exceed the number of names in the pollbook, the ballots shall be replaced in the box, after any of the ballots folded together are canceled, and one of the precinct deputies shall publicly draw therefrom as many ballots, unopened, as equal to the excess.
Source: SDC 1939, § 16.1701; SL 1993, ch 113, § 15; SL 1999, ch 69, § 41.
12-20-5. Count of votes for candidates--Scrutiny of ballots by precinct deputies--Decisions on disputed ballots.
The votes for the several candidates shall be counted in the order in which the candidates occur upon the ballots. At least two precinct deputies, of opposite political parties, shall scrutinize each ballot with the precinct superintendent acting to break any tie vote of the two precinct deputies ruling on a ballot. As the vote is announced two precinct deputies shall make the mark required on the tally sheets.
Source: SDC 1939, § 16.1702; SL 1959, ch 97; SL 1974, ch 118, § 151; SL 1976, ch 105, § 69; SL 1993, ch 118, § 21; SL 1997, ch 81, § 9; SL 1999, ch 69, § 42.
12-20-5.1. Determination of validity of provisional ballots.
Prior to the official canvass, the person in charge of the election shall determine if the person voting by provisional ballot was legally qualified to vote in the precinct in which the provisional ballot was cast. In making this determination, the person in charge of the election shall consider the information provided on the affirmation and diligently investigate the voter registration status of the person. If there is no evidence that a voter registration form had been completed by the person showing a residence address in that precinct and returned to an official voter registration site prior to the deadline to register to vote for the election, the provisional ballot is invalid.
Source: SL 2003, ch 83, § 4.
12-20-6. Unstamped ballots not counted.
In the counting of the votes any ballot which is not endorsed as provided in § 12-18-12 by the official stamp shall be void and may not be counted.
Source: SL 1897, ch 60, § 35; RPolC 1903, § 1929; RC 1919, § 7278; SDC 1939, § 16.1703; SL 1993, ch 118, § 22.
12-20-7. Ballot not counted when voter's choice indeterminable--Promulgation of rules defining standards.
Any ballot or part of a ballot from which it is impossible to determine the voter's choice by using standards defined by the State Board of Elections shall be void and may not be counted. The State Board of Elections shall promulgate rules, pursuant to chapter 1-26, defining standards for determining voter intent.
Source: SDC 1939, § 16.1703; SL 1974, ch 118, § 152; SL 2002, ch 76, § 6; SL 2010, ch 74, § 21.
12-20-8. Precinct superintendent and precinct deputies to record intention of voter.
The precinct superintendent and precinct deputies, in counting the votes, shall endeavor to record the intention of the voter. The precinct superintendent and precinct deputies shall then hold the intention of the voter to be to vote for the candidate or candidates before whose name the voter has placed a mark.
Source: SDC 1939, § 16.1205; SL 1974, ch 118, § 153; SL 1976, ch 105, § 70; SL 1997, ch 81, § 10; SL 1999, ch 69, § 43.
12-20-10. Blank list for unofficial return of precinct vote for candidates and submitted questions--Return envelope.
There shall be furnished by the officer in charge of the election to each voting precinct, for each election, a blank list which shall have space after each candidate's name and after each measure, law, or amendment to be voted upon at such election, in which to enter the number of votes cast in the precinct for each candidate, measure, law, or amendment, together with an envelope addressed to the officer in charge of the election and labeled in plain letters, "Immediate--Unofficial Return--Do not put this in ballot box."
Source: SL 1911, ch 258, § 1; RC 1919, § 7303; SDC 1939, § 16.1723; SL 1974, ch 118, § 154.
12-20-11. Entry of precinct vote on unofficial return list--Return with election returns.
When the vote count is complete, the members of the precinct election board shall enter upon the blank list the true number of votes cast in the precinct for each person, measure, law, or amendment which appears upon the official ballot, and shall enclose the completed list in the envelope described in § 12-20-10. The precinct superintendent or precinct deputy chosen to deliver the election returns to the officer in charge of the election shall return the completed list separate from any other envelopes or wrappers returned at the time the election returns are delivered.
Source: SDC 1939, § 16.1723; SL 1974, ch 118, § 155; SL 1993, ch 118, § 23; SL 1999, ch 69, § 44.
12-20-13. Tabulation and public release of unofficial returns--Entry into central election reporting system.
Except as provided in § 12-20-17, the county auditor shall tabulate election returns as rapidly as received and make the result available for the information of the public, but such returns are not the official returns. The county auditor shall enter the information into the central election reporting system by using any computer located in a county office which is properly configured and linked to the central state computer immediately following the tabulation of each precinct.
Source: SDC 1939, § 16.1723; SL 1978, ch 103; SL 1990, ch 108; SL 2003, ch 84, § 1.
12-20-13.1. Means of counting provisional ballots--Appointment of officials.
The person in charge of the election shall decide if the provisional ballots are to be counted by hand or by automated tabulating equipment. If a decision is made to count the ballots by hand, a provisional ballot counting board shall be appointed as provided in § 12-15-1. If the provisional ballots are to be counted by automated tabulating equipment, a resolution board and tabulation machine operators shall be appointed as provided in chapter 12-17B.
Source: SL 2003, ch 83, § 5; SL 2006, ch 28, § 3.
12-20-13.2. Counting provisional ballots--Certification.
The provisional ballot counting board or resolution board and tabulation machine operators shall convene one hour prior to the convening of the canvassing board. The provisional ballots, which the person in charge of the election has determined are not invalid according to § 12-20-5.1, shall be counted. Upon completion of the count, the provisional ballot counting board or resolution board shall complete a certification of provisional ballot count and give the certification to the canvassing board. The certification form shall be prescribed by the State Board of Elections.
Source: SL 2003, ch 83, § 6.
12-20-13.3. Counting provisional ballots--Alternate time.
The person in charge of the election may establish an alternative time prior to the official canvass for provisional ballot counting provided that notice of the time and location is given to the county party chairperson of each political party for primary, secondary, and general elections and to each candidate for any other election.
Source: SL 2003, ch 83, § 7; SL 2006, ch 28, § 4.
12-20-13.4. Counting provisional ballots--Notice.
Within ten days after the official county canvass each person voting by provisional ballot shall be sent by the person in charge of the election a notice advising whether the provisional ballot was counted. The notice shall be prescribed by the State Board of Elections.
Source: SL 2003, ch 83, § 8.
12-20-15. State messenger to secure delinquent returns--Expenses deducted from county auditor's salary.
If any county auditor fails to perform the duties required of him by § 12-20-38.1, the secretary of state shall send a messenger to the county auditor to secure such returns. All expenses for such service shall be paid by the county of which such auditor is an officer upon the filing of a certificate from the secretary of state as to the amount of such expenses, and the amount so paid shall be deducted from the next monthly salary of the county auditor of such county.
Source: SL 1890, ch 84, § 4; SL 1891, ch 60, § 1; RPolC 1903, § 1946; RC 1919, §§ 7293, 7307; SDC 1939, §§ 16.1714, 16.1724; SDCL, § 12-20-44; SL 1974, ch 118, § 156; SL 1993, ch 118, § 24.
12-20-17. Returns not disclosed until all polls in state closed.
No public disclosure of the returns of state and federal elections in any primary or general election is permitted until each precinct polling place in the state is closed. This provision applies to each precinct polling place within the state.
Source: SL 1959, ch 99, § 20; SDC Supp 1960, § 16.2220; SL 1981, ch 119, § 2; SL 2000, ch 71, § 2.
12-20-18. Entry of candidates' votes in precinct pollbooks.
After the votes have been counted, the members of the precinct election board shall set down in the pollbook and duplicate tally sheet on forms therein prescribed by the State Board of Elections the name of each person voted for, the office for which the person received votes, and the number of votes each person received, the number of votes each person received shall be expressed at length.
Source: SDC 1939, § 16.1704; SL 1974, ch 118, § 158; SL 1993, ch 113, § 16; SL 1993, ch 118, § 26; SL 1999, ch 69, § 45.
12-20-20. Sealing of ballot boxes after deposit of counted ballots--Violation as misdemeanor.
The counted ballots shall be sorted in the manner provided in 12-20-2 and wrapped, sealed, and deposited in the ballot box. The precinct superintendent and precinct deputies, after the counting of ballots and deposit of the ballots counted in the ballot box, shall properly seal, with seals furnished pursuant to § 12-16-26, any ballot box opening and the place where the clasp and box connect, and each place where a ballot box may be opened before turning the ballot box over to the person deputed to deliver it. A violation of this section is a Class 1 misdemeanor.
Source: SDC 1939, § 16.1706; SL 1974, ch 118, § 159; SL 1979, ch 106, § 1; SL 1982, ch 86, § 91; SL 1999, ch 69, § 46.
12-20-21. Return of ballot boxes, returns, records and supplies to officer in charge--Tampering prohibited--Violation as felony.
The sealed ballot box, together with the pollbook and duplicate tally sheet, registration lists, and the envelope containing the unofficial returns and all supplies and returns required, shall be returned by the precinct superintendent or a precinct deputy designated by the precinct superintendent, to the officer in charge of the election immediately after completion of the vote count. No person may deface, destroy, or tamper with the ballot box, envelope, pollbook, duplicate tally sheet, or registration lists or remove any seals. A violation of this section is a Class 6 felony.
Source: SDC 1939, §§ 16.0206, 16.0230, 16.0706, 16.1707, 16.1708, 16.9925; SL 1961, ch 92, §§ 10, 23; SL 1963, ch 109, §§ 1 to 3; SDCL, §§ 12-4-27, 12-6-44, 12-20-22 to 12-20-24, 12-20-26; SL 1974, ch 118, § 160; SL 1982, ch 86, § 92; SL 1993, ch 113, § 17; SL 1993, ch 118, § 27; SL 1999, ch 69, § 47.
12-20-21.1. Circumstances requiring report of official returns by telephone.
Notwithstanding the provisions of § 12-20-21, if the person in charge of the election determines that the roads are impassable between a polling place and the office of the person in charge of the election, the superintendent shall report unofficial election returns by telephone to the person in charge of the election immediately following completion of the vote count. The superintendent shall return the sealed ballot box together with the pollbooks, registration lists, the envelope containing the unofficial returns, and all supplies to the person in charge of the election as soon as possible but no later than noon on the day following the election.
Source: SL 1993, ch 117.
12-20-21.2. Write-in votes not to be counted--Other votes on ballot.
If a name is written on a ballot in an attempt to cast a write-in-vote, the write-in vote may not be counted. However, all other votes for which the voter's intent may be determined shall be counted.
Source: SL 2002, ch 76, § 5.
12-20-31. Destruction of ballots and pollbooks--Period for which held--Pending recount or contest.
The officer in charge of an election may destroy voted ballots and pollbooks from a nonfederal election sixty days following the election at which such ballots were voted. However, they may not be destroyed if any recount or contest of such election is pending. The officer in charge of an election may destroy voted ballots, pollbooks and all other election material relating to a federal election twenty-two months after the election at which the ballots were voted. For the purpose of this section, a federal election is any election to nominate or elect persons to the United States Congress or other national elected position, including national issues or questions. If a ballot is used for a federal election and a state or local election, the ballots and all other election material shall be maintained for twenty-two months. All federal election material may be removed from the ballot box if it is maintained in such a manner as to guarantee the safety and integrity of such material.
Source: PolC 1877, ch 27, § 29; SL 1881, ch 74, § 2; CL 1887, § 1468; RPolC 1903, § 1931; SL 1915, ch 185, § 1; RC 1919, § 7280; SDC 1939, § 16.1708; SL 1963, ch 109, § 2; SL 1963, ch 120; SL 1965, ch 96; SDCL, § 12-20-30; SL 1974, ch 118, § 162; SL 1986, ch 121.
12-20-32. Preservation of ballot boxes and pollbooks--Delivery of pollbooks to county canvassing board--Violation as felony.
The county auditor shall keep the ballot boxes and pollbooks in the same condition as when received, until the meeting of the county canvassing board, when he shall deliver the pollbooks to such board. A violation of this section is a Class 6 felony.
Source: SL 1899, ch 83, § 4; RPolC 1903, § 1938; SL 1915, ch 185, § 2; RC 1919, § 7287; SDC 1939, § 16.1709; SDCL, § 12-20-33; SL 1974, ch 118, § 163; SL 1982, ch 86, § 93.
12-20-35. Returns not refused for irregularity--Certificate issued to candidate with most votes.
No election returns shall be refused by any officer for the reason that the same may be returned or delivered to him in any other than the manner directed in this chapter, nor shall he refuse to include any returns in his estimate of votes for any informality in holding an election or making returns thereof; but all returns shall be received and the votes canvassed by such officer, and a certificate given to the person or persons who may by such returns have the greatest number of votes.
Source: PolC 1877, ch 27, § 41; CL 1887, § 1480; RPolC 1903, § 1934; RC 1919, § 7283; SDC 1939, § 16.1711; SL 1974, ch 118, § 165.
12-20-36. Time for canvass of vote--Governing board as canvassing board--Representatives for absent board members.
Within six calendar days after the close of any election, the officer in charge of the election, with the assistance of a majority of the governing board as the canvassing board, shall make the canvass of votes. Each member of the governing board may name and have on file with the officer in charge of the election a person to represent the member at the official canvass in the event of the member's absence for cause.
Source: SDC 1939, § 16.1712; SL 1964, ch 62; SL 1971, ch 86, § 2; SL 1974, ch 118, § 166; SL 1985, ch 110, § 1A; SL 1986, ch 120; SL 1999, ch 72, § 3; SL 2006, ch 28, § 5.
12-20-37. Secretary of state to provide guidance and direction in making returns.
The secretary of state shall provide for the guidance and direction of the county auditor in making the returns according to law.
Source: SDC 1939, § 16.1722; SL 1974, ch 118, § 167; SL 1981, ch 126, § 2; SL 2003, ch 84, § 2; SL 2012, ch 81, § 4.
12-20-38. Abstracts of precinct returns prepared by Board of Canvassers--Certification--Deposit.
The Board of Canvassers for both primary and general elections shall at the time provided by § 12-20-36 proceed to open the returns from the various voting precincts in the county and make abstracts of the votes cast for each of the candidates and each of the issues. Each of the abstracts of the votes made shall be signed and certified by the canvassers, under the seal of the county auditor, and be deposited in the office of the auditor.
Source: SL 1890, ch 84, § 2; RPolC 1903, § 1941; RC 1919, § 7290; SDC 1939, § 16.1712; SL 1971, ch 92, § 2; SL 1974, ch 118, § 168; SL 1981, ch 126, § 3.
12-20-38.1. Certified copy of official county canvass furnished to secretary of state--Permanent record.
The county auditor shall immediately transmit by mail, fax, or electronic means to the secretary of state a certified copy of the official county canvass of votes prepared pursuant to § 12-20-38 which shall be used for the official state canvass. The certified copy shall bear a visible county seal. If the copy is faxed or sent by electronic means, the original certified copy shall also be mailed or hand delivered to the secretary of state. The certified copies shall be microfilmed to become permanent records of the State of South Dakota and be kept by the secretary of state.
Source: SDC 1939, §§ 16.0232, 16.1713; SDCL, §§ 12-6-47, 12-20-41; SL 1968, ch 143, § 2; SL 1971, ch 94; SL 1974, ch 118, § 169; SL 1981, ch 126, § 4; SL 2003, ch 84, § 3.
12-20-39. Election by plurality.
Except when otherwise specially provided in all elections for the choice of any officer, the person receiving the highest number of votes for any office shall be deemed to have been elected to that office.
Source: PolC 1877, ch 27, § 43; CL 1887, § 1482; RPolC 1903, § 1865; RC 1919, § 7212; SDC 1939, § 16.0603.
12-20-40. Certificate of election delivered by county auditor to persons elected to local office.
It shall be the duty of the county auditor to make out a certificate of election to each of the persons having the highest number of votes for county and precinct officers, respectively, and to deliver such certificate to the person entitled to it.
Source: SL 1890, ch 84, § 2; RPolC 1903, § 1941; RC 1919, § 7290; SDC 1939, § 16.1712; SL 1973, ch 76, § 3.
12-20-46. Composition of State Canvassing Board--Candidate disqualified from participation.
The Governor, or the Governor's designee, the chief justice of the Supreme Court, or the chief justice's designee, and the secretary of state, in the presence of the attorney general shall constitute a board of canvassers to canvass the returns of the votes for representatives in Congress, United States Senators, and for electors of President and vice president of the United States and all state officers, members of the State Legislature, constitutional amendments, initiated measures, and referred laws, but no member thereof shall take part in canvassing the votes for any office for which the member is a candidate.
Source: SL 1890, ch 84, §§ 3, 6; RPolC 1903, §§ 1948, 1951; RC 1919, §§ 7295, 7298; SL 1929, ch 117, § 3; SDC 1939, §§ 16.1716, 16.1720; SDCL, § 12-20-50; SL 1973, ch 76, § 5; SL 1981, ch 127; SL 2023, ch 3, § 28.
12-20-47. Time of convening of state canvassers--Adjournment to obtain late returns.
Within seven days after the day of election, the Board of State Canvassers shall open and examine the returns from each county. However, if the returns from each county have not been received, the board may adjourn, not exceeding ten days, for the purpose of obtaining the returns from each county. The board shall proceed with the canvass after the returns have been received from each county.
Source: SDC 1939, § 16.1717; SL 1971; ch 86, § 3; SL 1985, ch 110, § 1B; SL 1999, ch 72, § 4.
12-20-48. Abstract by state canvassers of county returns--Signature and seal--Recording and filing of abstracts.
The Board of State Canvassers shall make an abstract stating the number of votes cast for each of such officers, the names of all persons voted for, for what office they respectively received the votes, and the number of votes each received, in words at length, and stating whom they declare to be elected to each office, which abstract shall be signed by the canvassers in their official capacity and as state canvassers, and have the great seal of the state affixed.
The secretary of state shall record such abstracts in a book to be kept by him for recording the result of state elections, called the "election book," and also file such abstracts.
Source: SL 1890, ch 84, §§ 8, 9; RPolC 1903, §§ 1950, 1952; RC 1919, §§ 7297, 7299; SDC 1939, § 16.1718.
12-20-48.1. National convention slates and votes--Certification.
Upon the completion of the state canvass of the results of the primary election for delegates and alternates to the national convention, the State Canvassing Board shall certify to the state chairman of each political party the slates (groups of delegates and alternates) entered in the primary for each political party and the number of votes in the primary for each slate.
Source: SL 1973, ch 73, § 2; SL 1974, ch 120, § 2; SL 1979, ch 98, § 2; SL 2021, ch 69, § 1.
12-20-49. Certificate of election issued for federal, state or legislative office.
A certificate of election, signed by the Governor, attested by the secretary of state, with the great seal of the state affixed, shall be issued to each person elected to a federal or state office, or a member of the State Legislature. The secretary of state shall forward to the appropriate federal officer certified copies of the certificates as may be required.
Source: SL 1890, ch 84, §§ 3, 10; RPolC 1903, §§ 1951, 1953; RC 1919, §§ 7298, 7300; SL 1929, ch 117, § 4; SDC 1939, §§ 16.1719, 16.1720; SDCL, § 12-20-50; SL 1973, ch 76, § 4.
12-20-51. Disputes decided by majority of state canvassers--Irregularities disregarded.
A majority of the members of the State Canvassing Board shall decide all matters of dispute, and it shall be their duty to disregard all technicalities and misspelling, the use of initial letters or abbreviations of the names of candidates, if it can be ascertained from the returns for whom the votes were intended.
Source: SL 1890, ch 84, § 11; RPolC 1903, § 1954; RC 1919, § 7301; SL 1937, ch 119, § 2; SDC 1939, § 16.1721.
