SDCL 12-20-3

The members of the precinct election board or the counting board, if appointed, shall then immediately proceed to count publicly, in the presence of all persons desiring to attend the count, the votes received at the polls, and continue without leaving the site of the count until the count is completed. A person charged with implementing this section may not delay the counting of ballots other than to authorize short recesses for the health and wellbeing of those employed to implement this section. In counting the votes, the members of the precinct election board or counting board shall use the tally sheets provided. Source: SDC 1939, § 16.1701; SL 1975, ch 119 , § 11; SL 1976, ch 105 , § 68; SL 1993, ch 113 , § 13; SL 1993, ch 118 , § 20; SL 1999, ch 69 , § 39; SL 2002, ch 76 ; § 7; SL 2021, ch 68 , § 1.