For Immediate Release: July 1, 2025
Contact: [email protected]
SECRETARY OF STATE MONAE L. JOHNSON ANNOUNCES UPDATED RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS FOR VOTER REGISTRATION
(PIERRE, S.D.) – The South Dakota Secretary of State’s Office is notifying voters of changes to residency requirements for voter registration taking effect on July 1, 2025. These updates reflect changes to South Dakota Codified Laws 12-1-4 and 12-4-1, providing clearer guidance for determining voter residency and the registration process.
Under the revised law, a “resident” is defined as someone who maintains a fixed, permanent dwelling where they live and usually sleep for at least thirty consecutive days. The law also clarifies that a person remains a resident of South Dakota while temporarily away, so long as they intend to return.
“These updates provide clarity and consistency for voters, county officials, and our office,” said Secretary of State Monae L. Johnson. “Our goal is to ensure that every eligible voter understands what it means to be a resident and how to register confidently and accurately.”
Additional details about voter residency may be found on the Secretary of State’s Voter Registration webpage.
For Immediate Release: June 25, 2025
Contact: [email protected]
Lobbyist and Employer Expense Reports Due by July 1
(PIERRE, S.D.) – South Dakota Secretary of State Monae L. Johnson reminds all registered lobbyists and employers of lobbyists that Lobbyist and Employer Expense Reports are due by July 1, 2025.
In accordance with South Dakota Codified Law, these reports must be submitted annually to the Secretary of State’s Office. The report details expenses incurred during the most recent legislative session and ensures transparency and accountability in the lobbying process.
Both lobbyists and employers may access the required forms online:
Employer Expense Report Form (PDF)
Lobbyist Expense Report Form (PDF)
Lobbyist Information & Filing Portal
Forms may be submitted by email to [email protected] or by mail to the Secretary of State’s Office at:
500 East Capitol Avenue, Suite 204, Pierre, SD 57501.
“Transparency is a foundational part of public trust,” said Secretary of State Monae L. Johnson. “Filing these reports not only fulfills a legal requirement, but it reinforces our commitment to open government and public accountability.”
The Secretary of State’s Office appreciates timely and accurate reporting and encourages all filers to submit their expense reports before the July 1 deadline to ensure compliance.
For questions or additional assistance, please contact the Secretary of State’s Office at (605) 773-3537 or email [email protected].
For Immediate Release: June 25, 2025
Contact: [email protected]
Bond Requirement for South Dakota Notaries Removed Effective July 1
(PIERRE, S.D.) – Beginning July 1, 2025, South Dakota notaries public will no longer be required to post a surety bond as part of their application process, following the passage of House Bill 1133 during the 2025 Legislative Session.
HB 1133, signed into law earlier this year, eliminates the statutory requirement for a $5,000 notary bond. This change applies to all new and renewing notaries on or after July 1, 2025.
“This legislation streamlines the notary process and removes a barrier that often caused confusion or delay,” said Secretary of State Monae L. Johnson. “We are committed to making public services as accessible and efficient as possible.”
The updated requirements are outlined on the Secretary of State’s Notary Public webpage: How to Become a Notary
All other steps to become a notary, such as submitting an application, taking the oath of office, and paying the $30 application fee, remain unchanged. Notaries who were commissioned before July 1, 2025, are not affected until their next renewal.
For questions or assistance, contact the Secretary of State’s Office at (605) 773-3537 or email [email protected].
For Immediate Release: June 27, 2025
Contact: [email protected]
SECRETARY OF STATE ANNOUNCES UPCOMING FEE CHANGE FOR BUSINESS FILINGS
(Pierre, SD.) – The South Dakota Secretary of State’s Office is reminding business entities of a fee change that will take effect July 1, 2025, as part of legislation passed earlier this year.
House Bill 1024, signed into law during the 2025 Legislative Session, increases the filing fee by $5 for Annual Reports and Amended Annual Reports filed with the Secretary of State’s Office. Nonprofit organizations registered with the office will not be affected by this fee change.
“We are committed to keeping our fees as low and predictable as possible,” said Secretary of State Monae L. Johnson. “This modest increase helps us continue delivering efficient and secure services to the thousands of businesses that operate in South Dakota.”
A full breakdown of all fees can be found by visiting the Secretary of State’s Fee Schedule.
Please find attached a press release issued today by the South Dakota Secretary of State’s Office.
For Immediate Release: July 2, 2025
Contact: [email protected]
Minnesota Now Recognizes South Dakota Enhanced Concealed Carry Permits
(PIERRE, SD) – The South Dakota Secretary of State’s Office is pleased to announce that the State of Minnesota has officially recognized restricted enhanced permit holders who are under the age of 21 years old.
This expanded recognition allows South Dakota Restricted Enhanced Permit holders to legally carry in Minnesota.
“This is great news for South Dakotans,” said Secretary of State Monae L. Johnson. “Our Enhanced Permit program was designed with rigorous training standards to ensure public safety and to expand recognition across the nation. We are excited to see Minnesota join the growing list of states that honor South Dakota’s commitment to responsible carry.”
The Enhanced Permit requires applicants to complete a qualifying handgun course, including classroom instruction and live fire, as outlined in SDCL 23-7-58. Temporary restricted Enhanced Permits will be accepted in Minnesota.
Permit holders are still encouraged to familiarize themselves with Minnesota’s firearm laws before traveling.
A full list of states recognizing South Dakota’s permits can be found at: https://sdsos.gov/general-services/concealed-pistol-permits/cc-reciprocity.aspx
Updates to the Secretary of State’s website to reflect this change will follow shortly.
For more information on reciprocity or how to obtain a South Dakota concealed carry permit, contact the Secretary of State’s Pistol Permit Division at [email protected] or visit https://sdsos.gov/general-services/concealed-pistol-permits/cc-default.aspx.
For Immediate Release: July 1, 2025
Contact: [email protected]
SECRETARY OF STATE RELEASES UPDATED VOTER REGISTRATION FORM
(Pierre, S.D.) – The South Dakota Secretary of State’s Office has released an updated voter registration form, incorporating public input, feedback from county auditors, and collaboration with community partners to ensure a more effective and user-friendly experience for voters.
The updated voter registration form includes improvements to overall layout, flow, and clarity. Additional information has been added to assist voters in understanding eligibility requirements and completing the form accurately.
“We are proud to release a voter registration form that reflects the voices of South Dakotans and the valuable insight of our county election officials,” said Secretary of State Monae L. Johnson. “The updates ensure that the form is easier to understand, better organized, and gives voters the information they need to register confidently and correctly.”
This voter registration form replaces the prior form and aligns with changes to state law that went into effect on July 1, 2025, including updated residency definitions and certification requirements.
The updated form is available for download and use on the Secretary of State’s website: https://sdsos.gov/elections-voting/voting/register-to-vote/default.aspx.
For Immediate Release: June 5, 2025
Contact: [email protected]
SECRETARY OF STATE ANNOUNCES THE START OF VOTER LIST MAINTENANCE
(Pierre, S.D.) – South Dakota’s 66 county auditors will begin the voter list maintenance process this summer, continuing the state’s longstanding commitment to clean, accurate, and secure elections.
South Dakota conducts list maintenance every odd-numbered year between January 1st and November 15th. This process ensures that voter rolls remain up to date by removing individuals who have moved, passed away, or are otherwise no longer eligible to vote.
“Maintaining accurate voter rolls is essential to election integrity,” said Secretary of State Johnson. “This routine but critical process helps us uphold both federal and state law while preserving every South Dakotan’s right to vote.”
Voters who have not participated in recent elections or responded to confirmation mailings may be moved to inactive status. However, inactive voters remain eligible to vote and may update their registration when they go to the polls. A voter must be inactive for eight years (four general election cycles) without any activity before they are removed from the registration file.
Please register or update your information today!
All eligible South Dakotans are encouraged to check their voter registration status and ensure their information is current. You may check your registration by visiting the Voter Information Portal (VIP).
A common method for voter registration is to complete a voter registration form and mail it to your local county auditor. Additional registration options and details are available here.
“Keeping your registration current is one of the easiest ways to ensure a smooth voting experience,” said Secretary Johnson. “If you’ve moved, changed your name, or haven’t voted in recent elections, now is the time to check.”
For more information on list maintenance, eligibility requirements, and secure elections in South Dakota, visit https://sdsos.gov/elections-voting/default.aspx.
