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South Dakota Elections
Statewide6 months

South Dakota General Election

Tuesday, November 3, 2026 · South Dakota

How to Vote

Registration Deadlines

By Mail
Monday, October 19, 20265 months
In Person
Monday, October 19, 20265 months

Voting

Early Voting Starts
Friday, September 18, 20264 months
Early Voting Ends
Monday, November 2, 20266 months
Mail Ballot Due
Tuesday, November 3, 20266 months

Contests

7 races on the ballot

State

Lieutenant Governor

South Dakota

Candidate (Uncontested)

Karla LemsRepublican Party
State

Secretary of State

South Dakota

3 Candidates

Monae JohnsonRepublican Party
Terrence DavisDemocratic Party
Heather BaxterRepublican Party
State

South Dakota Treasurer

South Dakota

2 Candidates

Jeff MonroeRepublican Party
Heath ShieldsRepublican Party
State

Governor

South Dakota

2 Candidates

Terry GleasonIndependent
Scott MorrisIndependent
Federal

U.S. Senate South Dakota

South Dakota

Candidate (Uncontested)

Brian BengsIndependent
Federal

U.S. House South Dakota At-large District

South Dakota

Candidate (Uncontested)

Jack PittmanIndependent
State

Attorney General of South Dakota

South Dakota

2 Candidates

Austin HoffmanRepublican Party
Lance RussellRepublican Party

Ballot Measures

4 measures for voters to decide

South Dakota Constitutional Amendment L, 60% Vote Requirement for Constitutional Amendments Measure (2026)

Constitutional Amendment L

Ballot measure supermajority requirementsBallot measure processInitiative and referendum process

Require a 60% majority by voters to approve constitutional amendments

A YES vote means

<p>A "yes" vote supports requiring a 60% majority by voters to approve constitutional amendments.</p>

A NO vote means

<p>A "no" vote opposes raising the vote threshold, maintaining a simple majority vote requirement for approving constitutional amendments.</p>

20 endorsements for YES · 2 endorsements for NO

South Dakota Constitutional Amendment J, Citizenship Voting Requirement Amendment (2026)

Constitutional Amendment J

Citizenship voting requirements

Provide that "[an] individual who is not a citizen of the United States is disqualified from voting in any election or upon any question submitted to the voters"

A YES vote means

<p>A "yes" vote supports amending the South Dakota Constitution to provide that "[an] individual who is not a citizen of the United States is disqualified from voting in any election or upon any question submitted to the voters of this state."</p>

A NO vote means

<p>A "no" vote opposes amending the South Dakota Constitution to provide that "[an] individual who is not a citizen of the United States is disqualified from voting in any election or upon any question submitted to the voters of this state."</p>

32 endorsements for YES

South Dakota Constitutional Amendment I, Medicaid Expansion Conditioned on 90% Federal Funding Amendment (2026)

Constitutional Amendment I

Public assistance programsPublic health insurance

Condition Medicaid expansion on federal funding remaining at least 90%

A YES vote means

<p>A "yes" vote supports amending the South Dakota Constitution to make Medicaid expansion contingent on the federal government covering at least 90% of the program's cost. Under <a href="https://ballotpedia.org/South_Dakota_Constitutional_Amendment_D,_Medicaid_Expansion_Initiative_(2022)">Amendment D</a> (2022), Medicaid was expanded to persons with incomes below 138% of the poverty level, with 90% of the program’s cost covered by federal funding under the <a href="https://data.ballotpedia.org/Affordable%20Care%20Act">Affordable Care Act</a>. If federal funding drops below 90%, the proposed amendment would remove the state’s constitutional obligation to provide the coverage.</p>

A NO vote means

<p>A "no" vote opposes amending the South Dakota Constitution to make Medicaid expansion contingent on the federal government covering at least 90% of the program's cost.</p>

32 endorsements for YES · 2 endorsements for NO

South Dakota Constitutional Amendment K, Creation of Unclaimed Property Trust Fund Amendment (2026)

Constitutional Amendment K

Restricted-use funds

Establish an unclaimed property trust fund

A YES vote means

<p>A "yes" vote supports amending the constitution to establish a trust fund for unclaimed property, which would require the state treasurer to deposit any unclaimed property funds into the trust fund after covering claims, expenses authorized by law, and designated deposits to the general fund.</p>

A NO vote means

<p>A "no" vote opposes amending the constitution to establish a trust fund for unclaimed property, which would require the state treasurer to deposit any unclaimed property funds into the trust fund after covering claims, expenses authorized by law, and designated deposits to the general fund.</p>

8 endorsements for YES

Voter FAQ

Can I register to vote online?
South Dakota does not offer online voter registration.
Can I submit voter registration forms in person?
You can complete a voter registration application in person. Contact your local election office for information on when and where to register to vote.Learn more by visiting the South Dakota Secretary of State website or contacting your local election office.
How do I see what's on my ballot?
View official ballot information on the South Dakota Secretary of State website, if available.
How do I contact my state election office?
Secretary of State500 E. Capitol Ave., Ste. 204 Pierre, SD 57501-5070Telephone: (605) 773-3537
Do I need to bring an ID to vote in person?
You will be asked to show photo ID to vote in South Dakota. Acceptable forms include: South Dakota driver's license or non-driver's ID card US government photo ID (including a passport) US armed forces ID current student photo ID from a South Dakota high school or South Dakota accredited institution of higher education tribal photo IDVoters without ID: If you are unable to provide ID, you can sign a personal identification affidavit and vote a regular ballot.
How do I contact my local election office?
Visit your state’s site to find your local election office.
Register to Vote
Check that you're registered to vote on South Dakota's website. If you’re not registered: Your by mail registration form must be received by Oct 19.
How do I vote if I'm in the military or live overseas?
Active-duty military, their families, and overseas citizens can register to vote and request their absentee ballot using the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA). The FPCA can be returned to your election official by email, fax, or mail. Please contact your local election office for more information about delivery and return methods, including email and fax. You can also visit the South Dakota Secretary of State’s online portal for military voters and overseas voters. To follow the FPCA process:Fill out the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA), or download a copy. Your local election office may have questions, so please provide an email address or phone number where they can reach you.Send the application to your local election office.It is never too early to submit an FPCA! Please do so as soon as possible.Please fill out and send back your ballot as soon as you receive it.States begin mailing absentee ballots at least 45 days before Election Day. If you haven't received your ballot by 30 days before Election Day, contact your local election office.If after submitting your FPCA, your ballot does not arrive, contact your local election office first. Then: You can still vote using the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB). Print, sign, and mail your FWAB to your local election office.If you mail a FWAB and then receive your regular absentee ballot, you should complete and mail your absentee ballot also. Election officials will ensure that only one ballot is counted.The Federal Voting Assistance Program offers additional information on military and overseas voting in South Dakota. You can also call 1-800-438-VOTE (8683) or email vote@fvap.gov