As a dedicated public servant, I am committed to restoring public trust in the electoral process and elevating customer service from the Secretary of State’s office. Many South Dakotan’s have brought ideas and requests to me for improvements they’d like to see in the office.  I plan to address your concerns and get to work on day one.

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I am a strong proponent for election integrity and accountability. First and foremost, I support our auditors and support local control. I stand with President Trump and echo his concerns over identified security issues in our elections such as citizenship and identification requirements, inaccurate voter rolls, mail in ballots, and voting machine issues. I fully support robust post-election audits, improved hand counting methods, and thorough disaster recovery plans. 

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South Dakota already has strong laws in place, but there is always room for improvement.  Cast Vote Records (CVRs) are the federally required digital audit trail for our electronic tabulators.  Currently only 4 of 66 counties can fully audit the elections via review of Cast Vote Records (CVRs). This must change.  I will ensure all counties have the proper audit tools available to them and the required training.

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I also support the development of emerging technologies that can deliver total transparency, security, and the ability to fully audit elections from start to finish. In addition, I will protect and enforce South Dakota’s proof of citizenship laws and work to restore civic engagement in the local election process.  I look forward to partnering with auditors, reducing fees and regulations, implementing office efficiencies to assist South Dakotans, reducing precinct size, reviewing compliance, and leading the office in maximizing production while minimizing expenses.

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In my first year, this is what we will be working on:

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Business Services Modernization — Review UCC filing and business registration systems for efficiency and security. Work to remove fees for changing addresses when filing yearly. Make the process of renewing easier to access online.

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Statutory Compliance Review — Audit office practices against SDCL election statutes to identify and correct any informal guidance that’s drifted from the actual law (e.g., petition signature guidance).

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Audit office practices against SDCL business filings and campaign finance statutes to identify and correct any informal guidance that’s drifted from the actual law.

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Communication with the public and auditors WILL BE 5-Star.

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County Auditor Communication Protocol — Formal, documented lines of communication (not ad hoc), including a rapid-response system for auditors flagging problems in real time. They will have a dedicated point of contact, and their needs will be prioritized.

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Auditor Training and Resource Investment — Expand training and support for county auditors to include practical, hands on everyday processes and conduct start to finish election season training with the help of experienced auditors.  Work to maximize efficiency across all 66 counties.

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Public Dashboard for Election Administration Metrics — Review/audit turnaround times, error rates, complaint resolution. Ensure data is published proactively rather than released only under pressure.

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First-year Public Accountability Report — A formal report to South Dakota voters comparing promises made to actions taken.

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Join me in the mission!