South Dakota § 12-19-10.1 - County auditor validation of absentee ballot signatures--Violation as misdemeanor.
Full text of South Dakota South Dakota Codified Laws § 12-19-10.1 — County auditor validation of absentee ballot signatures--Violation as misdemeanor., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 12-19-10.1. County auditor validation of absentee ballot signatures--Violation as misdemeanor.
If a county uses an absentee ballot precinct at the building where the county auditor is located to process absentee ballots on election day for a federal, state, or county election, the county has the option to validate the absentee ballot signatures in the county auditor's office. The county auditor shall follow the provisions of § 12-19-10 except for the following:
(1) The county auditor, at anytime during the absentee voting timeframe, shall carefully compare the statement on the reverse side of the official return envelope with the written application without opening or breaking the seal of the return envelope; and
(2) If the county auditor determines that both signatures match:
(a) The application for absentee ballot does not need to be sent to the absentee precinct board; and
(b) The county auditor shall initial the envelope after the determination that signatures do match.
A violation of this section is a Class 2 misdemeanor.
Source: SL 2018, ch 82, § 1; SL 2023, ch 51, § 13.
Source: official South Dakota text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About South Dakota § 12-19-10.1
What does South Dakota Codified Laws § 12-19-10.1 cover?
Section 12-19-10.1 ("County auditor validation of absentee ballot signatures--Violation as misdemeanor.") 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 § 12-19-10.1?
A common citation format is "South Dakota Codified Laws § 12-19-10.1" (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 § 12-19-10.1 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.