The county auditor has complete charge of maintaining and safeguarding the voter registration records in the county. The county auditor shall retain all voter registration records in the auditor's office in paper or electronic form. Except as provided in §§ 12-4-9, 12-4-9.2, and 12-4-9.3, the records must be open to public inspection at all times during office hours. Voter registration must be conducted by each county auditor and municipal finance officer. Voter registration forms must be available at the secretary of state's office and at any location that:

1. (1) Issues driver licenses;
2. (2) Engages in military recruitment;
3. (3) Assists disabled individuals under programs of the Department of Human Services; or

4. (4) Allows for an individual to apply for:

   1. (a) Supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits;
   2. (b) Temporary assistance for needy families;
   3. (c) Benefits under the women, infants, and children supplemental nutrition program; or
   4. (d) Medicaid benefits.

Source: SL 1961, ch 92 , §§ 3, 4; SL 1969, ch 83 , § 1; SDCL § 12-4-4; SL 1974, ch 118 , § 4; SL 1976, ch 105 , § 1; SL 1985, ch 106 , § 1; SL 1994, ch 107 , § 1; SL 1997, ch 166 , § 3; SL 2003, ch 83 , § 10; SL 2008, ch 63 , § 1; SL 2012, ch 81 , § 1; SL 2022, ch 11 , § 3, eff. Feb. 14, 2022; SL 2026, ch 64 , § 1.