The South Dakota Board of Elections has rejected a petition from the League of Women Voters seeking changes to rules governing the state’s new proof-of-citizenship voting law.
The board voted 5-to-2 on Wednesday to dismiss the petition after members determined the League does not have legal standing under state law to request administrative rule changes. Board member and retired attorney Scott McGregor said the law limits petitions to government agencies and political subdivisions, not private organizations or citizens.
The League had proposed several changes aimed at standardizing the implementation of the new voter registration law across South Dakota. Among the requests were allowing photocopies of driver’s licenses and tribal identification cards as proof of citizenship, recognizing tribal IDs from any federally recognized tribe, and requiring clearer notification for voters who are classified as “federal-only” voters.
Under the new law, first-time voter registrants must provide proof of U.S. citizenship. Those who do not provide the required documentation can vote only in federal elections and are not eligible to participate in state or local contests.
Secretary of State Monae Johnson told the board that the law requires original identification cards rather than photocopies and said voters can correct their federal-only status by submitting proper documentation.
League of Women Voters President Amy Scott-Stoltz said the organization is disappointed by the decision and is reviewing its options. She says the goal of the petition was to ensure consistent implementation of the law and provide clear guidance to voters and county auditors ahead of the November election.
The new voter registration requirements were approved by the Legislature earlier this year and remain in effect statewide.
