South Dakota § 12-21-11 - Candidate's recount petition for multi-county legislative district--Margin required--Deadline to complete.
Full text of South Dakota South Dakota Codified Laws § 12-21-11 — Candidate's recount petition for multi-county legislative district--Margin required--Deadline to complete., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 12-21-11. Candidate's recount petition for multi-county legislative district--Margin required--Deadline to complete.
If any legislative district comprises more than one county, any candidate for election to or nomination for the Legislature who, according to the official returns, has been defeated by a margin not exceeding two percent of the total vote cast for all candidates for the office may, within three days after completion of the official canvass by the State Board of Canvassers, file a petition with the secretary of state, setting forth that the candidate believes a recount will change the result and that all the votes cast for the office or nomination should be recounted. The secretary of state shall notify the county auditor of each county that has precincts included in the petition. Each county auditor shall then conduct a recount.
Notwithstanding § 12-21-20, if the recount is for a legislative district comprising more than one county and the candidate expresses to the county auditor in writing to be present at each county's recount, the board shall convene at the time and date determined by mutual agreement between the county auditor and candidate.
A recount conducted pursuant to this section must be completed within fourteen days following the filing of the petition.
Source: SDC 1939, § 16.1803 (3); SL 1999, ch 72, § 6; SL 2017, ch 70, § 1; SL 2025, ch 67, § 1.
Source: official South Dakota text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About South Dakota § 12-21-11
What does South Dakota Codified Laws § 12-21-11 cover?
Section 12-21-11 ("Candidate's recount petition for multi-county legislative district--Margin required--Deadline to complete.") 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 § 12-21-11?
A common citation format is "South Dakota Codified Laws § 12-21-11" (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 § 12-21-11 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.