South Dakota enacts proof of citizenship law, 20 other election bills in 2026 session

The South Dakota Legislature adjourned its regular session on March 30 after enacting 21 election-related bills, all of which were signed by Gov. Larry Rhoden (R).

Among those bills were two measures related to citizenship and voting. SB 175 requires individuals to provide proof of citizenship when registering to vote in state and local elections. Prospective voters who do not provide proof of citizenship may vote in federal elections only. Documents establishing citizenship include a state driver’s license or ID card, a birth certificate, a naturalization certificate, or a passport.

Rhoden signed SB 175 on March 26, meaning the proof of citizenship requirement will be in place for the state’s June 2 primary. The state Senate voted 28-6 to approve the bill on Feb. 19, with 28 Republicans voting in favor and three Republicans and three Democrats opposed. The state House approved the bill 64-3 on March 4, with 62 Republicans and two Democrats voting in favor and three Democrats opposed.

South Dakota is one of three states to enact a new documentary proof of citizenship requirement so far this year, along with Florida and Utah. Nationally, 12 states have laws requiring proof of citizenship to register to vote in at least some cases.



https://news.ballotpedia.org/2026/04/23/south-dakota-enacts-proof-of-citizenship-law-20-other-election-bills-in-2026-session/