PIERRE, S.D. (SDBA) — The requirement that a person must demonstrate that they live in a permanent dwelling before they can vote in South Dakota has been removed by a Senate committee this morning (Friday).

SB17, as amended, removes that requirement and a requirement that a voter maintain a residence 30 days before registering to vote.

The measure passed the Senate State Affairs Committee 7 to 0.

Proponents said the current law’s 30-day residence requirement and “permanent dwelling” provisions are problematic.

Lobbyist Justin Smith, representing the South Dakota Association of Mail Forwarders.

Smith said some people are homeless, and the current law would not allow them to register to vote.

However, an opponent, Brian Burge from Beresford, said residency should be defined the same for voting, hunting, fishing, and driver’s licenses.

Deputy Secretary of State Tom Deadrick (deed-rick) disagreed.