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SD 840

An Act establishing the right for every citizen to have a secret ballot

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Jo Comerford

Summary of SD 840: Right to Secret Ballot Act OverviewBill Number: SD 840 Title: An Act establishing the right for every citizen to have a secret ballot Status: House concurred

House concurred
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Bill Summary · SD 840

Summary of SD 840: Right to Secret Ballot Act

Overview

Bill Number: SD 840
Title: An Act establishing the right for every citizen to have a secret ballot
Status: House concurred
Introduced: March 10, 2025

Purpose and Intent

The primary goal of SD 840 is to enshrine the right to a secret ballot for all citizens in federal, state, and local elections. The bill's sponsors argue that the secret ballot is a fundamental democratic principle that protects voters from coercion, intimidation, and undue influence. By ensuring the secrecy of the voting process, the legislation aims to safeguard the integrity of elections and the free exercise of the franchise.

Key Provisions

  • Requires all federal, state, and local elections to use a secret ballot system that keeps voters' choices confidential
  • Prohibits any person or entity from attempting to ascertain or reveal how an individual voted
  • Establishes penalties, including fines and criminal charges, for violations of voter secrecy
  • Grants the Attorney General the authority to enforce the right to a secret ballot and bring civil actions against violators
  • Allows individual voters to file lawsuits to protect their right to a secret ballot

Affected Parties and Impacts

If enacted, SD 840 would affect all voters in federal, state, and local elections by guaranteeing their right to a secret ballot. This would help protect voters from coercion, intimidation, and undue influence, thereby strengthening the integrity of the electoral process. Election officials and administrators would be required to implement secret ballot systems and procedures to comply with the new law.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

SD 840 has passed the Senate and is currently under consideration in the House of Representatives. If the House concurs with the Senate version of the bill, it will be sent to the President for signature or veto. If signed into law, the provisions of the Right to Secret Ballot Act would take effect in time for the next federal, state, and local elections.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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