Court Opinion

ID: 9528035
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-07 03:36:31.573801+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T13:26:24.943166
License: Public Domain

HANSON, J.
(dissents in part).
We are being called upon for the first time to apply Ch. 84, Laws 1957. That law requires the marking of ballots “by pencil or pen and by the use of either a cross (X) or check mark(V) in the square or circle to-the left of the name of the person to be voted for, or the proposition to be voted upon”. The law is plain,, certain, and unambiguous. In my opinion there is no room *395for judicial construction. It needs none. A ballot .may now be marked by a black or colored pen or pencil. The voter may indicate his choice by either a cross or a check mark. He cannot use both.
To allow both a cross and a check mark under the present law simply adds confusion to the already difficult task of counting ballots. If one cross and one check mark is valid — what about two crosses and one check mark? What about two check marks and one cross? What about a ballot marked with a green ink cross and a red penciled check mark? These are' but a few of the confusing possibilities which are bound to arise in the future under the rule approved in the majority opinion.
As there has been a material and substantial change in our law the case of Ward v. Fletcher, 36 S.D. 98, 153 N.W. 962, on this point is no longer controlling.
To this extent, I am unable to concur in the majority opinion.