US Edition
New South Dakota Law Allows Voters to Challenge Other Voters’ Citizenship
The law allows sworn challenges to voter citizenship to ensure election integrity after 273 noncitizen registrations were canceled in 2024, officials said.
- Last week, Republican Gov. Larry Rhoden signed a law authorizing citizenship challenges effective July 1, allowing filings by the South Dakota Secretary of State's Office, county auditors, or same-county voters; it will not affect the June 2 primary.
- During the 2025 legislative session, lawmakers clarified voters must be U.S. citizens and sent a constitutional question to the November 2026 ballot after discovering and cancelling 273 non-U.S. citizen registrations in 2024.
- The law requires challenges to be signed, sworn statements with documented evidence; if a county auditor upholds a challenge, registrants may verify their registration or appeal cancellations to a court or county commission.
- Supporters note the Secretary of State's Office requested the bill, while opponents including Sen. Liz Larson argued it 'adds fuel to the fire' during a committee hearing.
- At the federal level, the U.S. House of Representatives passed federal proof-of-citizenship proposals last month while federal law prohibiting noncitizen voting frames South Dakota voters' new challenge rights.
11 Articles
11 Articles
New law lets South Dakota voters challenge their neighbors' citizenship
Voters in South Dakota will soon be able to challenge other voters’ citizenship.Republican Gov. Larry Rhoden signed legislation into law last week that authorizes challenges by individuals and election officials.“We do a lot of things right in South Dakota, and our election integrity is something to...
Daily Montanan
South Dakota SearchlightNew South Dakota law allows voters to challenge other voters' citizenship
A sign identifies the Pennington County Administration Building as an early voting site on Jan. 19, 2026, for a municipal election in Rapid City, South Dakota. (Photo by Seth Tupper/South Dakota Searchlight)Voters in South Dakota will soon be able to challenge other voters’ citizenship. Republican Gov. Larry Rhoden signed legislation into law last week that authorizes challenges by individuals and election officials. “We do a lot of things right…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources lean Left
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
