The upcoming election is a presidential primary. Learn About Presidential Primaries
Learn about all the options to vote in South Dakota to make a plan to vote that works for you!
South Dakota Board of Elections Phone Number: (605) 773-3537
Whether you are registering to vote for the first time, or need to update your address, name or party affiliation - we've got you covered!
Not sure if you are eligible to vote due to a felony conviction?
Click here to learn more.
Request and track
Notice: Mail-in voting is a convenient and safe way to vote, but your ballot might not count if it’s submitted late or with errors. So follow the directions below on how to vote early or absentee and make your vote count in South Dakota.
Voting by mail is a two step process in South Dakota.
Step 1: Request your ballot NOW. The deadline for your application to be received is November 7th at 5:00 p.m. - but you must request well before that to allow for time to mail.
Step 2: Complete and return your ballot ASAP.
Remember to sign your return ballot.
After you complete your ballot, be sure to sign the reverse side of your absentee ballot return envelope.
Be sure that your signature matches your signature on file with the state! If you registered online or at the DMV, check the signature on your license. If the signature does not match, your ballot could be tossed and will not count.
All voters are required to provide ID when voting by mail.
ID is required with application to vote by mail.
South Dakota voters must show valid photo ID when voting in person. Info here on what qualifies.
When you apply to vote by mail, you must submit a copy of your photo ID or a notarized oath with your request.
You do not need to send ID in with ballot, but signature comparison will be used to approve the ballot.
If you return your ballot by mail, you must add a stamp when mailing in your ballot.
You can also drop off your ballot in person at your local elections office.
Any designated person can drop off a ballot for you.
Track your ballot by clicking here.
If you would like to vote in person, go to your polling site and vote on Election Day. The poll workers will verify that your absentee ballot was never submitted.
South Dakota does not offer voters a chance to address challenges to their ballot. Your ballot will not count if it is late, or you do not follow directions.
Voter in South Dakota must show ID to vote. Below are accepted forms of ID:
Enter your address below to see what you can expect on Election Day.
Primary Type (D): Open
Primary Type (R): Open
Only registered voters affiliated with the Republican Party may vote in its primary. Registered voters that are unaffiliated may vote in Democratic primary. See South Dakota Republican Party or Democratic Party sites for more details.
Your state automatically registers people to vote at the address on their drivers license or other state issued ID card. If you have moved but have not updated your ID with your new address, changed your name or want to add a political party selection, you must update your voter registration. Click here to check to see if you are registered to vote, and update your registration if needed.
You can register to vote and cast your ballot on Election Day at your polling place or local elections office. Bring a valid ID and proof of residence with you.
To vote in person with an absentee ballot, request, fill out, and return your ballot while at your county auditor's office.
Some states have laws that specifically allow citizens to preregister at a certain age while others allow registration as long as you’re 18 by the next election. Preregistration means you’ll be automatically registered to vote on your 18th birthday without taking any additional steps.
In South Dakota, you can preregister to vote if you are 18 by the next election. Register to vote today!
Some states even let you vote in their primaries at 17 if you’ll be 18 by the general election so you can participate in the whole process!
You can not vote in the South Dakota primaries if you are 17 by the next election.
