South Dakota

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ABOUT THIS STATE

South Dakota is home of the Badlands and could also be the home of good voter turnout if you do your part this year. What if we told you that if you don't vote, we'd sign an executive order to replace Lincoln's face on Mt. Rushmore with Gilbert Gottfried's? Think about it, then learn what you need to know to vote this year before you decide you like that idea.

Be A Voter

Key Dates

Sep 23 – Nov 7

Early Voting

Oct 24

Voter Registration Deadline

Oct 20

Recommended Absentee/Mail-in Ballot Request Deadline

Nov 7

Absentee/Mail-in Ballot Request Deadline

Nov 8

Absentee/Mail-in Ballot Return Deadline

Nov 8

Election Day

South Dakota Voter Guide

  • How do I make sure I'm registered to vote?

    We're working with BallotReady to make this as easy as possible for you, so don't fuck it up.

    register here

  • Can I register the same day I want to vote?

    Sadly, no. So do it now! Then reward yourself with a cookie.

    register here

  • Can I vote by mail?

    Yes! If you're registered you can request to have your ballot mailed to you, you just have to do that by November 7th, although the state strongly recommends you request no later than November 1st. Honestly, we recommend you do it as soon as possible to make sure there are no issues. Then, you can fill it out and return it by November 8th.

    You must also have your absentee ballot application notarized or include a copy of acceptable ID when you request to vote by mail.

    You can find out how to request your absentee ballot here.

    learn more

  • Can I vote early?

    Yes. You can vote early in person (in this case called absentee in-person) from September 23rd to November 7th at 5pm.

  • Do I need an ID?

    Yes, ideally you'll have one of these: state driver's license or state ID card, federal ID, tribal card, an ID from high school or institution of higher school ID, all of it works. If you don't have a photo ID, there may be other ways you can confirm your identity.

    If you are voting by mail, you must either have your absentee ballot application notarized or include a copy of acceptable ID when you request to vote by mail.

    Get all the details below from VoteRiders.

    learn more

  • How do I cast my ballot?

    If you are voting absentee, you can return your ballot by mail or in-person. For in-person voting, polling places will be open from 7am to 7pm. You can find the polling place closest to you here.

    Find Your Polling Place

Now what?

2 Opportunities

Resources

  • Get your absentee ballot here!

    Learn More

  • Find the details on accessible voting in your state, including early voting, Election Day voting, mail voting, and accessible mail voting tools for people with print disabilities.

    Learn More

  • Need to show Voter ID? Not sure what kind? Get the specifics in your state here.

    Learn More

Crooked Media has the shows you need to stay informed and engaged this critical election cycle — find them here.

Crooked Media has the shows you need to stay informed and engaged this critical election cycle — find them here.