South Dakota § 12-5-3.8 - Certification of candidates or slates for primary--Placement on ballot--Selection process without primary.
Full text of South Dakota South Dakota Codified Laws § 12-5-3.8 — Certification of candidates or slates for primary--Placement on ballot--Selection process without primary., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 12-5-3.8. Certification of candidates or slates for primary--Placement on ballot--Selection process without primary.
If a political party chooses to have a primary for selection of its delegates and alternates to the national convention, the party shall certify the candidate names or the delegate and alternate slates which are to be listed on the primary ballot to the secretary of state by the last Tuesday in March preceding the primary by five p.m. central time. Only candidates or slates certified may be placed on the ballot by the secretary of state and the position of the candidates or slates on the primary ballot shall be chosen by lot by the secretary of state. The certification shall be deemed to be submitted if mailed by registered mail by five p.m. central time on the last Tuesday in March. If a political party does not choose to have a primary selection of its delegates and alternates to the national convention, the party shall define the selection process of its delegates and alternates in the party bylaws.
Source: SL 1976, ch 106, §§ 1, 2; SDCL Supp, § 12-5-3.4; SL 1977, ch 107, § 3; SL 1980, ch 111; SL 1986, ch 115, § 4; SL 1997, ch 75, § 4; SL 2007, ch 74, § 7; SL 2007, ch 81, § 6; SL 2015, ch 77, § 9 rejected Nov. 8, 2016; SL 2017, ch 69, § 1.
Source: official South Dakota text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About South Dakota § 12-5-3.8
What does South Dakota Codified Laws § 12-5-3.8 cover?
Section 12-5-3.8 ("Certification of candidates or slates for primary--Placement on ballot--Selection process without primary.") 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 § 12-5-3.8?
A common citation format is "South Dakota Codified Laws § 12-5-3.8" (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 § 12-5-3.8 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.