In South Dakota, a new mandate now requires individuals to reside in the state for 30 consecutive days to be eligible to vote, following the recent signing of a bill into law. This change, initiated by Republican Governor Larry Rhoden, came alongside several other legislative measures designed to support “free and fair elections.” The newly enacted law, known as HB 1066, mandates residency at a single permanent dwelling in South Dakota—where one typically lives and sleeps—for a full 30 days before gaining the right to vote. Previously, only a single overnight stay was needed, until a prior bill adjusted the requirement to 30 nonconsecutive days.
Governor Rhoden commented on the legislation by asserting South Dakota’s reputation for upholding fair electoral processes. “Our state exemplifies the true spirit of free and fair elections,” he remarked. “Living in a democracy and a state where we can freely choose our leaders is a privilege.”
The primary aim of the legislation is to deter full-time travelers, often referred to as “RV voters,” from partaking in South Dakota’s elections. Many travelers who lack a fixed residence in any state often seek to establish their residency in South Dakota due to its absence of state income tax and relatively affordable vehicle registration fees. Despite a single night’s stay being sufficient for establishing residency for other purposes such as obtaining a driver’s license, it won’t meet the new voting eligibility criteria, clarified Brad Reiners, a representative from the South Dakota Department of Public Safety.
Supporters of this bill argue that individuals who do not truly reside within the state should not influence its electoral outcomes. On the other hand, opponents contend that extended residency requirements hinder the foundational principle that voting should be accessible to all eligible citizens.
Samantha Chapman, Advocacy Manager at the ACLU of South Dakota, pointed out that this poses challenges for specific groups of new residents. “This is particularly challenging for those whose jobs demand frequent travel, or for individuals with familial obligations in other states necessitating regular visits,” she stated.
Additionally, a second bill, HB 1208, was signed by the governor, which allows individuals who maintain a mailing address within South Dakota but lack a fixed residence to receive a federal-only absentee ballot. This provision grants them the capability to participate in presidential and congressional elections.