South Dakota Voter Hub
Why Vote?
Voting is a fundamental right of our democracy. The decisions made in city halls, state legislatures, the United States Congress, and every other level of government affect the lives of all South Dakotans. And while there are many ways to influence our elected officials, decisions really get made by the people who show up and vote.
That’s why casting a ballot this year is critical. The 2026 General Election could affect the course of our country and our democracy for decades to come. As voters, we have the power to define what freedom looks like and who gets access to it. We can create communities where we all can live with safety, dignity, and joy. But when we don’t vote, we let others decide what freedom looks like. Elected officials don’t have the final say when it comes to our rights – we do.
Key Dates
The 2026 Primary Election: Tuesday, June 2
- Absentee voting begins: Friday, April 17*
- Voter registration deadline: Monday, May 18
PRIMARY RUNOFF ELECTIONS
- Sioux Falls Municipal Runoff Election: Tuesday, June 23
- Absentee voting begins Tuesday, June 16*
- Voter Registration Deadline: Monday, June 8
- Gubernatorial Republican Primary Runoff Election: July 28
- Absentee voting begins Friday, June 12*
- Voter Registration Deadline: Monday, July 13 at 5 p.m. local time
The 2026 General Election: Tuesday, Nov. 3
- Absentee voting begins: Friday, Sept. 18*
- Voter registration deadline: Monday, Oct. 19
*Absentee ballots have to be returned to the county auditor in time for them to be delivered to the correct polling location by the time the polls close.
Municipal Election Changes
Beginning in 2026, a new state law requires municipal and school elections to be held either during the June Primary Election or the November General Election. We recommend checking with your municipality to learn when your local elections will take place.
Registering to Vote
South Dakotans can register to vote at the following locations:
- County auditor's office
- Driver's license station (when you are renewing or applying for a driver's license you may also register to vote on the driver's license application)
- City Finance Office
- Public assistance agencies providing food stamps, TANF or WIC
- Department of Human Services offices which provide assistance to the disabled
- Military recruitment offices
Below are helpful links to register to vote in South Dakota by mail.
Even if you think you're already registered to vote, we recommend checking your voter registration status at least 30 days before the election. Be sure to locate your polling place and note the hours of operation so that you're prepared for Election Day.
Registration Requirement Changes
SB 175: Proof of Citizenship
Lawmakers passed Senate Bill 175 and the new law went into effect on March 26, 2026. SB 175 requires individuals to provide documentary proof of citizenship when registering to vote. We opposed this bill because it has the potential to disenfranchise thousands of voters. Under this new law, acceptable proof of citizenship for voter registration includes:
- A South Dakota driver license or nondriver identification card issued after July 1, 2025;
- A driver license or nondriver ID card from another state indicating citizenship has been verified;
- A tribal identification card;
OR a photocopy of one of the following*:
- Birth certificate;
- United States passport;
- Consular Report of Birth Abroad issued by the U.S. Department of State;
- The individual's certificate of naturalization;
- Any other documentation permitted under 42 C.F.R. § 436.407
Click here to see a list of additional documents that could be used to prove citizenship.
*Inconsistencies have been reported regarding some counties accepting a photocopy of a driver's license while others won't. If you'd like to submit a photocopy of your driver's license to register to vote, we recommend contacting your county auditor to ask if it's acceptable.
HB 1208: Residency Requirements
In 2025, lawmakers passed House Bill 1208. This requires individuals who register to vote in South Dakota using the address of a commercial mail receiving agency, mail forwarding service, or other post office box to vote only on federal races — not local or state elections. We opposed this bill because it segregates a class of individuals based on residence ownership or time in the state and denies them the ability to vote on issues that directly affect their lives and pocketbooks.
We recommend using the Voter Information Portal to check your voter registration at least 30 days before the 2026 primary and general elections.
Election Observer Training
Join our trainings in Sioux Falls or Rapid City to become a 2026 Election Observer. We’ll show you how to safely monitor the polls, spot voter disenfranchisement, and collect data that will be used to make recommendations to improve the voting experience for everyone.
Additional Resources
We’ve linked some of the most helpful resources in our arsenal below to better support you and your access to the ballot box. Make sure you bookmark this page and email [email protected] with questions. Happy voting!
Let's Talk About It!
Know Your Rights: Voting in South Dakota
Voting With a Disability: Breaking Down Barriers to the Ballot | American Civil Liberties Union
Related Issues
Related Content
The Revolutionary Power of ‘We’
South Dakota Can Make Voting More Accessible — Starting with Clearer Rules
