Coronavirus should not be a political issue, but with presidential primaries and the general election coming up, it could soon directly impact our politics. We should protect not only our health, but our civil liberties at this time — and one of those civil liberties is our fundamental right to vote.
For many, the best way to vote while safeguarding your health during this time may be to vote by mail. It’s easy to request an absentee ballot and there’s still enough time to do so for upcoming primaries. While some states limit who can vote absentee — for example, to people with health issues, disabilities, or other circumstances that may prevent them from voting in person — most states allow anyone to vote this way.
As more states make emergency election changes due to COVID-19, we encourage you to refresh this page or visits this page to get more up-to-date information about who is eligible to cast a vote-by-mail ballot during the presidential primary in your state.
These resources includes the deadlines for applying to vote by mail in the presidential primary and for submitting your voted ballot.
Remember that public health officials recommend that you not lick ballot envelopes, but instead use a wet sponge or cloth to seal them.
Consult state election officials if you have questions, including about other federal, state, and local elections not included here, or if you would like assistance in completing or printing a voter-by-mail ballot application. For more information on your voting rights generally, visit our voting rights page.
For more information on voting by mail generally, please visit vote.org or call 1-866-OUR-VOTE.
South Dakota election and voting information:
- State Primary & Presidential Primary
- Date of primary: June 2
- Who can vote absentee: Every registered voter.
- How to apply: Apply by mail to the county auditor.
- Application Request Deadline: Application must be received by 5pm on June 1.
- Voted Ballot Return Deadline: Mailed ballot must be received by county auditors by close of polls (typically 7pm) on June 2