South Dakota § 9-13-21 - Ballots--Preparation--Availability--Form--Candidate names.
Full text of South Dakota South Dakota Codified Laws § 9-13-21 — Ballots--Preparation--Availability--Form--Candidate names., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 9-13-21. Ballots--Preparation--Availability--Form--Candidate names.
The finance officer shall prepare and furnish, at the expense of the municipality, all official ballots. The quantity of ballots provided shall be at least ten percent more than the number of voters at the last comparable election. The ballots shall be prescribed by the State Board of Elections, of good quality of print paper, printed in black ink, and in the English language only.
The ballots for municipal elections shall be available for absentee voting no later than fifteen days prior to election day. If the ballots are for a runoff election, the ballots shall be available no later than seven days prior to the runoff election day. Absentee voting shall be conducted pursuant chapter 12-19.
The names of the candidates for each office to be voted for in the precinct shall be arranged without any other designation than that of the office for which they are candidates. If more than one member of the governing body is to be elected, the ballot shall contain instructions as to how many candidates for the governing body are to be voted for. The finance officer shall determine, by lot, each candidate's position on the ballot. Each candidate may be present or represented when the position on the ballot is being determined.
No candidate's name may be printed upon the official ballot unless the candidate has been nominated as provided in this chapter.
Source: SDC 1939, § 45.1321; SL 2001, ch 44, § 1; SL 2004, ch 75, § 5; SL 2008, ch 34, § 4; SL 2012, ch 85, § 3; SL 2016, ch 43, § 3; SL 2021, ch 40, § 1.
Source: official South Dakota text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About South Dakota § 9-13-21
What does South Dakota Codified Laws § 9-13-21 cover?
Section 9-13-21 ("Ballots--Preparation--Availability--Form--Candidate names.") is part of the South Dakota Codified Laws, the codified statutory law of South Dakota. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite South Dakota § 9-13-21?
A common citation format is "South Dakota Codified Laws § 9-13-21" (South Dakota). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of South Dakota law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the South Dakota official source linked on this page or consult a licensed South Dakota attorney.
How does South Dakota § 9-13-21 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in South Dakota can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in South Dakota.