Bill Shortening Early Voting to 21 Days Passes State House Committee

The House State Affairs Committee passed a bill that would drastically shorten early voting in South Dakota. HB 1178 would cut early voting from 46 days down to 21 days.

Majority Leader Lee Qualm of Platte is the prime sponsor.

Deputy Secretary of State Kea Warne oversees state elections and says it is a bad bill.

Opponents also say the shorter window will disenfranchise voters especially the elderly and disabled.

The measure is also opposed by a number of county auditors and the state association of county officials.

The measure had originally shortened early voting to 14 days but was amended to 21 days. It passed 11-2 and now heads to the House floor.

(Brookings Radio)