The person in charge of the election may place a receptacle or container at the person’s office for voters to return a voted absentee ballot. If a receptacle or container is used, the person in charge of the election, or the person’s designated staff must ensure the receptacle or container is:
- (1) Visible to the public and staff at all times while in use, or is monitored by a security camera that is recording with the recording stored for at least twenty-two months;
- (2) Secured by a seal with a serial number or by a padlock. If a seal is used, the serial number must be recorded and compared at the time the receptacle or container is opened and ballots are removed from the receptacle or container for processing. If a padlock is used, the key must be secured so only the person in charge of the election or the person’s designated staff have access to it;
- (3) Audited each business day, to verify that the number of ballots received match the number of ballots shown as received in Total Vote; and
- (4) Emptied at least daily during normal business hours, moving the absentee ballots to a secure location in the office of the person in charge of the election that is only accessible to the person and the person’s designated staff.
Source: 50 SDR 66, effective December 5, 2023 .
General Authority: SDCL 12-1-9 (4), 12-19-9.3 .
Law Implemented: SDCL 12-19-9.3 .