Make your voice heard by heading to the polls on June 2 (primary election) or Nov. 3 (general election), or turning your absentee ballot into your local county auditor’s office before Election Day.

Find answers to most questions in our Know Your Rights Voting Guide for the state of South Dakota.

Real quick, here are a few of the most important things to know:

  • Polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. CT/MT on Election Day. If you are in line by 7 p.m. CT/MT you must be allowed to vote.
  • If you are registered to vote at your current address, you must vote at your assigned polling location. Find your polling place at the South Dakota Secretary of State’s website.
  • If you are not registered to vote at your current address, you can register for the first time or update your registration until May 18 for the primary election or Oct. 19 for the general election at your county auditor’s office. When registering in person, have your South Dakota driver’s license, state ID card, or government issued document to prove your address and identity. Your documentation must show your name and current address in the community where you live and wish to register. Visit the South Dakota Secretary of State’s website for more details on voter registration.
  • Your completed absentee ballots must be received by your city or township clerk by 5 p.m. CT the day before Election Day in order to be counted. If you still have your absentee ballot, drop it off at your city or township clerk's office by 5 p.m. CT on June 1 or Nov. 2.

And don’t forget:

If you have a particular candidate you want to vote for:

Sign their nominating petition BEFORE March 31 in order for them to make it to the ballot on Election Day. All new and returning candidates must have their petitions sent by March 31 to be counted. 

Consider becoming a precinct worker:

This paid opportunity, is a wonderful chance for anyone who is 18+ to be a part of the political process in their community. Check with your county auditor's to learn more or visit the sdsos.gov website 

Transgender and non-binary South Dakotans:

Everyone deserves to be able to assert their fundamental right to vote without unnecessary and harmful barriers. Read our Know Your Rights guide before you trek to the polls.

Citizens with a criminal record:

As long as you are not currently serving a sentence in jail or in prison, still on parole or probation or have outstanding restitution payments, you can register to vote and cast your ballot.  

You are not required to show photo ID to register or vote:

You will be asked for your photo ID or driver’s license number. If you don’t have a photo ID or did not bring it with you, ask to sign an affidavit form or come back with your driver’s license number.

Call the Nationwide Election Protection Hotline if you have any questions or issues voting at 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683). 

 

Make your voice heard in 2020. Know your rights and vote!