The 2024 US General Election is scheduled for Tuesday, November 5, 2024, but South Dakota voters have the opportunity to cast their ballots early. Understanding the deadlines, voter registration requirements, and rules for absentee and early voting is essential to ensuring that you can participate in this critical election.
Key Election Dates in South Dakota
- Election day: Tuesday, November 5, 2024
- Voter registration deadline: Monday, October 21, 2024, by 5:00 p.m. (received by the county auditor)
- Absentee and early in-person voting period: Begins on Friday, September 20, 2024, and runs through Monday, November 4, 2024.
- Deadline for absentee ballot requests: Monday, November 4, 2024, by 5:00 p.m. local time
Absentee and early voting rules
In South Dakota, early in-person voting is available at County Auditor offices beginning on September 20, 2024. Although South Dakota doesn’t have traditional early voting at polling stations, the absentee voting system serves as an alternative. Registered voters can cast an absentee ballot by visiting their county auditor’s office in person or by mailing an absentee ballot request.
Absentee ballots are a vital component of the voting process, especially for those who may be out of town or unable to visit polling locations on Election Day. To request an absentee ballot:
- Download and complete the absentee ballot application form from the secretary of state’s website.
- Applications must be received by the County Auditor by November 4, 2024, 5:00 p.m.
- Completed absentee ballots must also be returned by November 4, 2024.
Voters can track the status of their absentee ballots through the Voter Information Portal (V.I.P.), where they can confirm when the ballot was requested, sent, and received.
Voter Registration in South Dakota
South Dakota does not allow same-day voter registration, so all eligible residents must register in advance. The deadline for voter registration is Monday, October 21, 2024, by 5:00 p.m. You can register:
- By mail: Submit a completed voter registration form to your local county auditor’s office. Include a copy of your South Dakota driver’s license or the last four digits of your Social Security number.
- In-person: Register at various locations, including county auditor offices, city finance offices, drivers’ license stations, public assistance agencies, or the Department of Human Services offices.
To be eligible to vote, individuals must be U.S. citizens, residents of South Dakota, and at least 18 years old on or before Election Day. Convicted felons may be eligible to vote if they have completed their sentences, including probation and parole. South Dakota law does not automatically restore voting rights to those with felony convictions, so they may need to reapply.
Absentee voting by mail
Absentee voting begins on September 20, 2024, for voters who prefer to mail in their ballots. Absentee ballots will be mailed out to registered voters who request them. Applications are available online, and voters should apply as early as possible to ensure they meet the deadlines.
Once you’ve completed your absentee ballot, make sure it’s returned by November 4, 2024, the day before Election Day. Mail your ballot early to avoid potential postal delays, as ballots received after the deadline will not be counted.
Voting on election day
For those voting in person on Election Day, polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. local time. Voters in line when the polls close will still be allowed to cast their ballots. South Dakota requires voters to present a valid photo ID at the polling place, such as:
- A South Dakota driver’s license or non-driver ID card
- A tribal photo ID
- A U.S. government-issued passport
- A current student photo ID from a South Dakota educational institution
If a voter does not have a photo ID, they can sign a personal identification affidavit and still vote with a regular ballot.
Accessibility and assistance for voters with disabilities
Federal law mandates that all polling places be accessible to voters with disabilities. South Dakota polling places offer ExpressVote, a device designed to help voters with disabilities cast their ballots independently and privately. Voters requiring additional assistance should contact their county election officials ahead of Election Day to make necessary arrangements.
Changes to South Dakota voting laws
One important change in South Dakota’s election process is the prohibition of ballot drop boxes. This change, enacted in 2023, means that voters must return their absentee ballots either by mail or by delivering them to their county auditor’s office directly.
