Important Election Information for South Dakota

Recent voting changes in South Dakota

Starting in 2026, a new state law changes how and when municipal elections are held in South Dakota.

What You Need to Know

• Starting in 2026 and in all future even-numbered years, cities must choose to hold their municipal elections on either the statewide Primary Election Day or on General Election Day. For 2026, those dates are June 2 (Primary) and November 3 (General Election).
• Starting in 2027 and in all future odd-numbered years, cities have the flexibility to hold elections on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in June or November. In 2027, those dates are June 8 and November 2. During odd-numbered years, municipalities may also combine their elections with those of the local school district, but they are not required to do so.
• No candidate for elective municipal office may be nominated unless the candidate files a nominating petition with the finance officer no later than 5 p.m. on the Tuesday 70 days before the date of the election.

Dates to Know for 2026 Elections

Primary Election Day: June 2, 2026
Voter Registration Deadline: May 18, 2026
Absentee Voting Begins: April 17, 2026
Last Day to Request an Absentee Ballot: June 1, 2026 (by 5 p.m. local time)

General Election Day: November 3, 2026
Voter Registration Deadline: October 19, 2026
Absentee Voting Begins: September 18, 2026
Last Day to Request an Absentee Ballot: November 2, 2026 (by 5 p.m. local time)

Note: If local runoff elections are necessary, more guidance will be provided after the Election Date.

How to register to vote

Check your registration status using the state’s portal. Register by mail or in person in advance of the election. Be sure you confirm registration deadline dates. South Dakota does not permit same-day voter registration.

• By mail: Print, fill out and sign a voter registration form from the state’s voter portal, then mail it to your county auditor so that it is received by the election deadline. Include a copy of your current South Dakota driver’s license number or nondriver ID number, or the last four digits of your Social Security number. You can also call your county auditor’s office or the secretary of state’s office at 605-773-3537 to request a form.
• In person: Visit your county auditor’s office. Or visit a city finance office, public assistance agency, office of the Department of Human Services, military recruitment office or secretary of state’s office. You also can attend a voter registration drive or register at a driver’s license station when obtaining or updating your license.

Contact your county election official if you do not receive an acknowledgment notice within 15 days of the date you submitted your registration application. Use the state’s voter portal to check your voter registration status.

How to request an absentee ballot

Any registered voter in the state can request an absentee ballot. Ballots are mailed within 48 hours of an application’s receipt. Apply by mail, in person or using an authorized messenger, if eligible.

• By mail: Download and complete an absentee ballot application form. Mail your original, signed application to your county auditor's office. Attach a copy of an acceptable form of ID — such as a South Dakota driver’s license, a South Dakota nondriver ID card, passport or tribal photo ID — to your application form. Or complete a notarized oath on the form (Section 7) swearing the information is true and correct.
• In person: Fill out an absentee ballot application form at your county auditor’s office. Bring an acceptable form of ID. You can complete your absentee ballot application, receive a ballot and mark your ballot on the same visit.
• Using an authorized messenger: If sickness or disability keeps you from the polls, you can apply for an absentee ballot via an authorized messenger. The authorized messenger may pick up and return your ballot to the county auditor for you. Download, print and complete the absentee ballot application form, including the authorized messenger request section. Authorized messengers must let their county auditor’s office know if they are delivering ballots for more than one person.

Be sure you know the deadline by which your application is due by mail or in person. Only voters covered under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act can submit their application for an absentee ballot via fax or email.

Returning an absentee ballot

Be sure you know when your ballot must be received (not just postmarked) with sufficient time for election officials to deliver them to the corresponding polling locations before the polls close.

• Mark your ballot and place it in the return envelope. Sign your name on the reverse side of the return envelope. Return your completed absentee ballot:
• By mail: Follow the instructions that accompany your absentee ballot, then mail your ballot with proper postage to your county auditor’s office.
• In person: Drop off your completed ballot at your county auditor’s office.

Track your ballot using the state’s voter portal.

Voting in person before Election Day

South Dakota doesn’t offer early in-person voting, but you can go to your county auditor's office to complete and submit an absentee ballot in person within the timeframes provided for each election. Check voting information using the state’s voter portal.

Voting at the polls on Election Day

Use the state’s voter portal to find your polling place. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sample ballots will be available on the state’s voter portal.

Voter ID requirements on Election Day

All voters applying for an absentee ballot or voting at a polling place on Election Day need to show an approved photo ID, such as a state-issued driver’s license, state-issued student ID, U.S. passport or tribal ID.

If you do not have an approved photo ID while voting in-person absentee or at the polls, you may complete a personal identification affidavit and still vote a regular ballot. This affidavit may not be used as a substitute for the ID requirements for the absentee ballot application.

Voting with a disability

Voters have the option to use the ExpressVote machine, which shows an electronic version of the ballot on a screen. The machine also can read the ballot to you. You can mark your ballot using the touch screen or keypad.

Voters who live in nursing homes or long-term care facilities can vote using an absentee ballot and use an authorized messenger, if needed.

Also of Interest:

Keep up with local events and AARP advocacy efforts
Find voter guides for all 50 states