Absentee voting in South Dakota for the Nov. 3 general election begins on Sept. 18, and the deadline to register or change registration is Oct. 19.
Yes.
South Dakota voters can be placed in “inactive status” if they go four consecutive years without voting, updating their voter registration information or responding to a confirmation mailing.
If they haven’t voted in the previous four years, the voter will be sent a confirmation postcard. If the postcard is not returned within 30 days, the voter's registration will become inactive.
If a voter placed in inactive status doesn't cast a ballot by the second general election following the confirmation mailing, their registration will be cancelled.
Voters can request an absentee ballot through their local county auditor, and South Dakota law requires eligible voters' ballots to be sent within 48 hours of the request.
State law allows voters on the inactive registration list to vote absentee after completing an affirmation of their address.
Absentee voting in South Dakota begins on Sept. 18, and the voter registration deadline is Oct. 19.
Sources
South Dakota Secretary of State’s Office, 2026 election guide
South Dakota Secretary of State’s Office, List of county auditors
Dakota News Now, SD voters encouraged to check voting status ahead of voter list maintenance
South Dakota state law, Forwarding of ballot to voter (12-19-3); Address verification request (12-4-19.1); Cancellation of voter registration (12-4-19.4); Affirmation of address by voter in inactive registration file (12-18-7.4).
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