Why It Matters
Advance voting has commenced for South Dakota’s upcoming general election, providing residents with early access to the ballot before Election Day on Nov. 3. The process operates under standard state procedures after federal courts blocked recent attempts to impose new restrictions on mail-in voting.
What Happened
In-person advance voting began Friday for South Dakota voters participating in the Nov. 3 general election. State officials confirmed that all registered voters may cast ballots early at designated locations, provided they present acceptable identification. Acceptable forms of ID include a South Dakota driver’s license or non-driver ID card, a U.S. passport or other federal photo ID, a tribal photo ID, or a current student photo ID from a South Dakota high school or college.
Voters who cannot appear in person may request absentee ballots through the secretary of state’s office or their county auditor. Applications can be printed online or obtained directly from election officials. To validate an absentee application, voters must have it notarized or include a photocopy of their photo ID when mailing the form back. Acceptable identification for absentee requests mirrors in-person requirements and also includes military IDs.
Individuals unable to receive or deliver ballots due to illness or disability are permitted to use an authorized messenger. Military personnel and overseas voters may submit their applications via mail, email, or fax.
The election cycle proceeded without disruption after the U.S. Supreme Court upheld a lower federal court’s order on Monday blocking President Donald Trump’s attempt to impose new restrictions on mail-in voting earlier this year. Mail-in voting continues under existing state rules.
By the Numbers
Friday — Start date of advance voting
Nov. 3 — Date of South Dakota’s general election
Oct. 19 — Voter registration deadline
Monday — Date U.S. Supreme Court upheld lower court order regarding mail-in voting restrictions
four — Number of proposed state constitutional amendments on ballots
Zoom Out
The Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the block on new mail-in voting restrictions preserves the status quo for this election cycle. The ballot for South Dakota voters includes races for U.S. Senate, U.S. House, governor, and the state Legislature, alongside various local contests and four proposed state constitutional amendments. Voters can review sample ballots through the Voter Information Portal to prepare before casting their votes.
What’s Next
The voter registration deadline remains Oct. 19. Residents who have not yet registered can check their status at vip.sdsos.gov/viplogin.aspx or obtain applications and instructions from the secretary of state and county auditors. Advance voting will continue through Election Day, with all ballots counted according to state election law.