Last update: Sep 20, 2023 07:32 a.m. EDT
Last update: Sep 19, 2023 11:11 a.m. UTC
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Summary
South Dakota allows any voter to request a ballot by mail. You can also vote in person. South Dakota offers in-person absentee voting.
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Who can register to vote?
To register in South Dakota you must:
- be a citizen of the United States
- reside in South Dakota
- be at least 18 years old on or before the next election
- not be currently serving a sentence for a felony conviction which included imprisonment, served or suspended, in an adult penitentiary system
- not have been judged mentally incompetent by a court
- You can find more information on voting rights restoration here
How do I vote in person?
Where can I vote on Election Day?
You can look up where to vote on South Dakota's site.
Can I vote in-person absentee?
- Yes, South Dakota does offer in-person absentee voting. You can choose whether to vote on Election Day or during the absentee voting period, whichever is easier for you. This can be especially helpful if it would be difficult or not possible for you to vote on Election Day. In-person absentee voting locations may be less crowded, as well.
What do I need to bring?
You will be asked to show photo ID to vote in South Dakota.
Acceptable forms include:
- South Dakota driver's license or non-driver's ID card
- US government photo ID (including a passport)
- US armed forces ID
- current student photo ID from a South Dakota high school or South Dakota accredited institution of higher education
- tribal photo ID
Voters without ID: If you are unable to provide ID, you can sign a personal identification affidavit and still be allowed to vote a regular ballot.
How can I check the status of my ballot?
You can check the status of your ballot on South Dakota’s site.
Can I vote early?
Yes, South Dakota does offer early voting, which in South Dakota is called in-person absentee voting.
- You can choose whether to vote on Election Day or during the in-person absentee voting period, whichever is easier for you. This can be especially helpful if it would be difficult or not possible for you to vote on Election Day. Voting locations may be less crowded, as well.
What do I need to bring?
You will be asked to show photo ID to vote in South Dakota.
Acceptable forms include:
- South Dakota driver's license or non-driver's ID card
- US government photo ID (including a passport)
- US armed forces ID
- current student photo ID from a South Dakota high school or South Dakota accredited institution of higher education
- tribal photo ID
Voters without ID: If you are unable to provide ID, you can sign a personal identification affidavit and still be allowed to vote a regular ballot.
How do I vote by mail?
In South Dakota, any registered voter can request to get a ballot by mail. Fill out the mail ballot application and mail or return it in person to your local election office.
What should I do if I don’t get my ballot?
If you don’t receive your ballot in the mail, then contact your local election office.
How do I return my ballot?
- Read the instructions carefully on how to mark and return your ballot.
- You can return your ballot by mail or by visiting a dedicated drop off location.
- Find a ballot drop off location near you.
- If you choose to return your ballot by mail, the United States Postal Service (USPS) recommends that voters mail their completed ballots at least one week before the due date. Find a USPS location near you.
What do I need to do if I’ve moved?
What’s on your ballot depends on where you live, so your voter registration is tied to your exact address. If you’ve moved, you need to re-register with your new address.
How can I check the status of my ballot?
You can check the status of your ballot on South Dakota’s site.
Can I register to vote on Election Day?
South Dakota does not offer registration on Election Day.
How do I see what's on my ballot?
View your sample ballot on the South Dakota Secretary of State's website. Available ballot information may vary depending on the upcoming election.
How do I get help registering to vote?
TurboVote can help you start the absentee/mail-in ballot request process, send you election reminders, and more. If you’d like more help planning how to vote, we can walk you through the process!
How do I vote if I'm in the military or live overseas?
Active-duty military, their families, and overseas citizens can register to vote and request their absentee ballot using the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA). The FPCA process is done by mail, but your state may offer other options to request and return ballots. Please contact your local election office for more information about delivery and return methods, including email, fax, and state online portals. To follow the FPCA process:
- Fill out the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA), or download a copy. Your local election office may have questions, so please provide an email address or phone number where they can reach you.
- Send the application to your local election office.
- It is never too early to submit an FPCA! Please do so as soon as possible.
- Please fill out and send back your ballot as soon as you receive it.
- States begin mailing absentee ballots at least 45 days before Election Day. If you haven't received your ballot by 30 days before Election Day, contact your local election office.
If after submitting your FPCA, your ballot does not arrive, contact your local election office first. Then:
- You can still vote using the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB). Print, sign, and mail your FWAB to your local election office.
- If you mail a FWAB and then receive your regular absentee ballot, you should complete and mail your absentee ballot also. Election officials will ensure that only one ballot is counted.
The Federal Voting Assistance Program offers additional information on military and overseas voting in South Dakota. You can also call 1-800-438-VOTE (8683) or email vote@fvap.gov
How can I check my voter registration status?
You can look up your voter registration record and verify that your information is correct using South Dakota's voter registration lookup tool.
How do I contact my state election office?
Which election office should I contact?
- In South Dakota, your local election office runs the elections in your area. They can help you with questions about registering to vote, voting by mail, and local elections.
- The Secretary of State oversees elections and election administration in South Dakota. They can help you with questions about voting in your state, election security, or issues you might have at the polls. If you have concerns about voter intimidation, reach out immediately.
How do I contact my local election office?
Visit your state’s site to find your local election office.