It is a Class 1 misdemeanor for any person, directly or indirectly, to promise or threaten to grant or withhold or to cause to be granted or withheld, any public relief, assistance loans, or grants for the purpose or with the intention of controlling or influencing the political affiliations, party registration, support or vote at any election, of any person so promised or threatened.

The terms “public relief” and “assistance” include all forms of direct public relief and also all forms of indirect relief such as employment on any public works or project. The terms “loans” and “grants” include all forms of financial assistance granted by the federal government or any of its agencies and also by this state or any of its political subdivisions.

Attorney's Note

Under the South Dakota Laws, punishments for crimes depend on the classification. In the case of this section:
ClassPrisonFine
Class 1 misdemeanorup to 1 yearup to $2,00
For details, see § 22-6-2

Terms Used In South Dakota Codified Laws 12-26-14

  • election: as used in this chapter includes any election held in this state for the purpose of enabling the voters to nominate or elect any United States, state, or local officer, or to vote upon any question submitted to them. See South Dakota Codified Laws 12-26-1
  • Person: includes natural persons, partnerships, associations, cooperative corporations, limited liability companies, and corporations. See South Dakota Codified Laws 2-14-2

Source: SL 1939, ch 240, §§ 1, 2, 4; SDC Supp 1960, § 13.0930; SL 1982, ch 86, § 120.