On January 9, HB 1012 was introduced in the South Dakota legislature to alter the definition of “political party”. Current law says a party must poll 2.5% of the vote for any statewide race in the last election, in order to remain on the ballot. The bill would change that so when the vote test is met, the party remains on the ballot for the next two elections. If this bill passes, it will be easier for a party to remain on the ballot.