South Dakota Voting Guide

Welcome to FindLaw’s South Dakota Voter Guide. In this article, we’ll answer your questions about voting in the next South Dakota election, voter eligibility, voter registration, registration deadlines, mail-in and in-person voting, special accommodations for disabled South Dakota voters, and what you can do if you see illegal activity at the polls.

South Dakota Voter Registration Requirements

In March 2026, the governor signed SB175. This new state law requires all new voters in South Dakota to provide proof of citizenship to register to vote. The law only affects new voters and does not affect a voter’s right to vote in federal elections.

SB175 does not affect anyone currently registered to vote. South Dakota voters who are already registered can still vote in both state and federal elections.

New voters and those restoring their voting rights after being removed from the voter rolls must comply with the new requirements to vote in state elections. In addition to existing requirements, voters must provide acceptable proof of citizenship. This can include:

• A South Dakota driver’s license or non-driver identification card issued after July 1, 2025
• An ID from another state with verified citizenship
• A tribal ID card
• A photocopy of a birth certificate, U.S. passport, certificate of naturalization, or document approved by the South Dakota Secretary of State‘s office

South Dakota residents who do not provide proof of citizenship may register to vote as federal voters. SB175 requires state and county election offices to maintain a separate voting list of federal-only voters. Voters who cannot provide proof of citizenship and residency will be registered as federal voters only.

When Is South Dakota‘s Voter Registration Deadline?

You must submit your voter registration application at least 15 days before the election date. Unlike some other states, South Dakota doesn’t offer same-day voter registration.

The official South Dakota election calendar lists upcoming elections.

Who Can Vote in South Dakota

To be eligible to vote in South Dakota, you must meet specific criteria. The requirements you must meet for voting eligibility in South Dakota include:

• You must be an American citizen
• You must reside in South Dakota
• All voters must be 18 years old by Election Day

You are not eligible to vote in South Dakota if:

• You have a felony conviction and have not been discharged from your sentence, including any incarceration, parole, or probation
• The South Dakota courts have declared you mentally incompetent

Once you are discharged from your felony sentence and have finished any required parole or probation, you’ll regain your right to vote. If you must renew your registration, you will need to provide proof of citizenship under the new voter registration laws.

A suspended sentence does not necessarily preserve your voting rights. If you have a felony conviction and have not been discharged from your sentence, you may be ineligible to vote.

You can check your voting status on the South Dakota Secretary of State‘s website.

Where Do I Vote?

Enter your voter registration information into the South Dakota Secretary of State Voter Information Portal to find your local polling place, voter information, and a sample ballot.

FIND OUT WHERE TO VOTE

Absentee Voting in South Dakota

If you are eligible to vote, you can obtain an absentee ballot by downloading, filling out, and mailing an absentee ballot application to your County Election Official. Once they approve your application, they will send you an absentee ballot you can fill out and mail back.

Voters must mail absentee ballots with an original signature unless they qualify under the Uniformed and Overseas Absentee Voting Act. If so, they can submit applications via email or fax.

Once the absentee voting period begins, residents of South Dakota can fill out an absentee ballot in person at their County Auditor‘s office before Election Day. They don’t need to provide a reason to vote by mail.

South Dakota prohibited in-person drop boxes in 2022. All mail-in and absentee ballots must be returned via mail or delivered in person to the county auditor‘s office. If you mail your ballot, you should ensure sufficient time for the ballot to arrive by Election Day.

What Do I Need To Bring to the Polls?

If you vote at a polling place, you must present identification. You can do this by presenting a photo ID. Acceptable forms of ID include:

• South Dakota driver’s license
• Non-driver ID card
• Voter ID card
• U.S. government photo ID, such as a passport
• U.S. Armed Forces ID
• Tribal photo ID
• Student ID if your school is a South Dakota high school or an accredited educational institution

You can sign an affidavit attesting to your identity if you do not have any of these photo IDs.

Under South Dakota law, polls are open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Anyone standing in line at the time the polls close has the right to stay and cast their ballot. If you’re in line at or before 7:00 p.m., poll workers cannot turn you away.

What if There’s an Issue With My ID?

You have the right to request a provisional ballot if your name does not appear on the voter registration list or if you cannot provide proof of identity. Don’t leave your polling place without casting your vote.

The voter must sign an affidavit swearing to their identity under oath. Election officials must confirm that the voter was registered prior to including the ballot in the final tally.

What Special Accommodations Are Available?

Under the Help America Vote Act (HAVA), voters with disabilities have options upon arriving at the polling location. If you are disabled, you can take advantage of early voting or cast an absentee ballot. If you prefer to vote at the polls on election day, you can ask an election worker for help.

What Should I Do if I See Something Illegal at the Polls?

South Dakota prohibits electioneering at the polls, including the wearing of clothing supporting a particular political party or the carrying of signage in or within 100 feet of a polling station. Other prohibited activities include:

• Intimidating, harassing, or threatening voters on their way into a polling station
• Conducting petition activity at the entrance or exit to the polls
• Distracting or harassing poll workers
• Tampering with voting equipment or ballot collection boxes

If you witness illegal activity at the polling place, notify a poll worker. Do not confront the person yourself. You can also contact local election officials, the Secretary of State‘s Office, or the Department of Justice (DOJ).

A South Dakota Voting Rights Lawyer Can Help

If you feel someone has violated your rights, contact a civil rights lawyer in South Dakota. They can review the situation and help you seek justice. An attorney can also answer questions you have about voting in South Dakota. Visit our attorney directory to find a lawyer near you who can help.