South Dakota House passes bill to outlaw bogus ballots in campaign ads
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The South Dakota House passed a bill Tuesday that would make it a crime to knowingly put out a false sample ballot as part of official campaign materials.
HB1239 passed on a 59-8 vote.
The bill makes a violation a Class 2 Misdemeanor, which is punishable by up to 30-days in jail, a $500 fine, or both.
The sponsor, Republican Representative Bethany Soye of Sioux Falls, says similar language from 1913 already covers ballot measures and should cover the ballot in general.
Bill supporter, Republican Rep. Scott Odenbach from Spearfish, says this law is needed because it has happened in some past campaigns.
No one spoke against the measure on the House floor. It now heads to the Senate.
February 14, 2024
