Important Dates and Election Information
- Absentee Voting Begins: Friday, Sept. 20
- Last Day to Register to Vote: Monday, Oct. 21, by 5 p.m. (received)
- Last Day to Request an Absentee Ballot: Monday, Nov. 4, by 5 p.m. local time
- General Election: Tuesday, Nov. 5
Quick Overview of Voting
Voter Registration
Register by mail or in person by Monday, Oct. 21, by 5 p.m. You can check your registration status using the state’s voter portal.
Absentee Voting
All registered voters can request an absentee ballot.
Early Voting
South Dakota does not offer early in-person voting, but you can cast an absentee ballot at your county auditor’s office from Friday, Sept. 20, through Monday, Nov. 4.
Voting at the Polls
You must show an approved photo ID, such as a state-issued driver’s license or tribal ID, to vote at the polls. If you don’t have an ID, you’ll need to complete a personal identification affidavit.
Recent Voting Changes in South Dakota
In 2023, a new law was passed that prohibits the use of ballot drop boxes.
How to Register to Vote
You must register by mail or in person by Monday, Oct. 21, to be eligible for the general election.
By Mail
Print, fill out, and sign a voter registration form from the state’s voter portal. Mail it to your county auditor so it is received by 5 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 21. You’ll need to include your current South Dakota driver’s license number or nondriver ID number, or the last four digits of your Social Security number. If you need a form, you can also call your county auditor’s office or the secretary of state’s office at 605-773-3537 to request one.
In Person
Visit your county auditor’s office or other locations such as a city finance office, public assistance agency, Department of Human Services office, military recruitment office, or the secretary of state’s office. You can also register at a voter registration drive or at a driver’s license station when getting or updating your license.
If you don’t receive an acknowledgment notice within 15 days of submitting your registration, contact your county election official. You can also use the state’s voter portal to check your voter registration status.
Registering to Vote on Election Day
South Dakota does not allow same-day voter registration.
Check Your Voter Registration Status
Check your registration status using the state’s voter portal.
How to Request an Absentee Ballot
Any registered voter can request an absentee ballot. You can apply by mail, in person, or using an authorized messenger if you qualify.
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, South Dakota nondriver ID card, passport, or tribal photo ID. You can also complete a notarized oath on the form (Section 7) swearing the information is true and correct.
In Person
Go to your county auditor’s office to fill out an absentee ballot application form. Bring an acceptable form of ID. You can apply, receive your ballot, and mark your ballot all in one visit.
Using an Authorized Messenger
If you’re unable to go to the polls due to sickness or disability, you can apply for an absentee ballot via an authorized messenger. This person can 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. If the authorized messenger is delivering ballots for more than one person, they must inform their county auditor’s office.
Your absentee ballot application must be received by 5 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 4. Applications to vote via an authorized messenger are due by 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 5. Ballots will be mailed within 48 hours of the application’s receipt.
Only voters covered under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act can submit their absentee ballot application via fax or email.
Returning an Absentee Ballot
Mark your ballot and place it in the return envelope. Sign your name on the reverse side of the return envelope.
By Mail
Follow the instructions included with 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.
Absentee ballots must be received on Tuesday, Nov. 5, with enough time for election officials to deliver them to the polling locations before the polls close. You can track your ballot using the state’s voter portal.
Voting in Person Before Election Day
South Dakota does not offer early in-person voting, but you can visit your county auditor’s office to complete and submit an absentee ballot in person from Friday, Sept. 20, through Monday, Nov. 4.
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 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 don’t have an approved photo ID while voting in person or at the polls, you can complete a personal identification affidavit and still vote a regular ballot. Note: This affidavit cannot be used as a substitute for ID requirements for the absentee ballot application.
Voting with a Disability
Voters can use the ExpressVote machine, which displays an electronic version of the ballot on a screen. This machine can also read the ballot aloud, and you can mark your ballot using the touch screen or keypad.
If you live in a nursing home or long-term care facility, you can vote using an absentee ballot and request the help of an authorized messenger if needed.
