PIERRE, S.D. (SDBA) — Don’t spoof the ballot.

The House passed a bill this afternoon (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 to 8 vote.

The bill makes a violation a Class 2 Misdemeanor, which is 30 days in jail or a $500 fine or both.

The sponsor, Republican Representative Bethany Soye from Sioux Falls, said 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, “that’s what’s happened, unfortunately, in some past campaign stuff.”

No House member spoke against the measure.

HB1239 now goes to a Senate committee for further consideration.