South Dakota § 12-17B-13 - Procedure for tabulating votes--Results as unofficial returns--Public records--Software limitation--Certification by board.
Full text of South Dakota South Dakota Codified Laws § 12-17B-13 — Procedure for tabulating votes--Results as unofficial returns--Public records--Software limitation--Certification by board., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 12-17B-13. Procedure for tabulating votes--Results as unofficial returns--Public records--Software limitation--Certification by board.
The process of tabulating the votes using the automatic tabulating equipment must be under the direction of the person in charge of the election, and must conform to the specifications and requirements of the automatic tabulating equipment.
The results printed by the automatic tabulating equipment are the immediate unofficial returns. These returns and any cast vote record or ballot images collected by the automatic tabulating equipment are public records under chapter 1-27. The county auditor is not required to produce a cast vote record or collection of ballot images, if the operating software of the automatic tabulating equipment used in a county does not produce a cast vote record or ballot images.
The results printed by the automatic tabulating equipment must be presented to the canvassing board for review and certification as the official returns.
For purposes of this section, "ballot image" means a digital rendering or facsimile of a paper ballot tabulated in the election.
For purposes of this section, "cast vote record" means an electronic record of how the marks on a ballot are tabulated as a vote for a candidate or other ballot question.
Source: SL 1994, ch 110, § 17; SL 2026, ch 71, § 1.
Source: official South Dakota text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About South Dakota § 12-17B-13
What does South Dakota Codified Laws § 12-17B-13 cover?
Section 12-17B-13 ("Procedure for tabulating votes--Results as unofficial returns--Public records--Software limitation--Certification by board.") 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 § 12-17B-13?
A common citation format is "South Dakota Codified Laws § 12-17B-13" (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 § 12-17B-13 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.