Voting is an essential activity in a democracy and a fundamental component of being an American citizen.
Regardless of your voting experience or party affiliation, this guide is intended to help South Dakotans make informed decisions in the 2026 primaries and general election. It uses fact-based reporting to fairly and clearly explain the process and who and what is on the ballot:
- Key election information, including dates, how to register, how to vote early, where to vote in person, when polls are open and what to bring when you vote
- Information about candidates and clear explanations of ballot measures that cover all sides of the issue
- An opportunity to ask questions and engage about the voting process or ballot information
Sources for this guide include original reporting and publicly-available resources provided by the South Dakota Secretary of State's office. It only includes information on statewide and legislative races. Details about local races can be found on each county auditor's website and local media outlets.
This guide will be updated as new information becomes available, so bookmark it and share it with family and friends. Send questions, suggestions or corrections to info@sdnewswatch.org.
Besides this guide, read all South Dakota News Watch government and political stories, including polls, profiles, ballot issue explanations and other topics.
Important dates
Key dates leading up to the 2026 elections:
- March 21, time TBD, Rapid City Public Library, presentation and Q&A on the media's role in civics
- April 6, 8 p.m. CT, live televised "Democratic U.S. House Candidate Forum" from SDPB in Sioux Falls, sponsored by SDPB and South Dakota News Watch
- April 9, 8 p.m. CT, live televised "Republican U.S. House Candidate Forum" from SDPB in Sioux Falls, sponsored by SDPB and South Dakota News Watch
- April 13, 8 p.m. CT, live televised "Republican Gubernatorial Candidate Forum" from SDPB in Sioux Falls, sponsored by SDPB and South Dakota News Watch
- April 17: Primary absentee voting begins
- May 18: Primary voter registration deadline
- June 2: Primary election (polls open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time)
- September, dates, times and locations to be determined: Televised town halls on SDPB before the general election
- Sept. 18: General election absentee voting begins
- Oct. 19: General election voter registration deadline
- Nov. 3: General election (polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time)
How to register and vote
The South Dakota Secretary of State's website includes details about how to register to vote, where to vote and how to absentee vote if you're unable to cast a ballot on Election Day and other important information.
Click on the subject line or drop-down arrow below to reveal details.
Voting in person
To vote in person on Election Day, just go by your assigned polling place between 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time. All voters must show proof of identification or sign a personal identification affidavit at their polling place. Approved forms of photo identification include:
- South Dakota driver's license or nondriver ID card
- U.S. government photo ID such as a passport
- U.S. Armed Forces ID
- Current student photo identification card from a South Dakota high school or South Dakota accredited institution of higher education
- Tribal photo ID
Voting absentee
If you're going to be out of town on Election Day or just want to vote early, you can submit an absentee ballot to your county auditor's office ahead of time.
Who's on the ballot
Here are the federal and state offices with races in 2026. Candidates are listed in alphabetical order by last name. Party affiliations are Republican (R), Democratic (D), Independent (I) and Libertarian (L). Incumbents are noted with an asterisk (*).
U.S. Senate
Like all 50 states, South Dakota elects two U.S. senators. Here are the candidates who have announced for that federal office:
Julian Beaudion (D)
Brian Bengs (I)
Justin McNeal (R)
*Sen. Mike Rounds (R)
U.S. House of Representatives
South Dakota is allocated one congressional seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. Here are the candidates vying to be the state's sole representative in Washington:
James Bialota (R)
Casey Crabtree (R)
Nicole Gronli (D)
Marty Jackley (R)
Bill Mahwhiney (D)
Scott Schlagel (D)
South Dakota governor
South Dakota's governor leads the executive branch of state government in Pierre. Independent candidates are chosen in the November general election, but Democratic and Republican candidates are chosen in the primary election in June. Here are the candidates for governor:
Robert Arnold (D)
Toby Doeden (R)
Terry Gleason (I)
Jon Hansen (R)
Dusty Johnson (R)
*Gov. Larry Rhoden (R)
Other executive offices
While voters elect candidates for governor in the primary, political parties choose other state executive candidates at conventions. Here are the offices that have elections in 2026:
Attorney General
Auditor
Commissioner of School and Public Lands
Lieutenant Governor
Public Utilities Commission
Secretary of State
Treasurer
South Dakota Legislature
The South Dakota Legislature is comprised of 105 lawmakers from 35 legislative districts, each of which has one senator and two representatives. Find out which district you live in.
Ballot Measures
The following "yes/no" ballot measures have been approved for the 2026 general election ballot:
- Constitutional Amendment I: The measure asks whether Medicaid expansion in the state should be conditioned on the federal government funding at least 90% of the program's cost.
- Constitutional Amendment J: The measure asks whether to affirm 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."
- Constitutional Amendement K: The measure asks whether to the state establish a trust fund for unclaimed property.
- Constitutional Amendement L: The measure asks whether amendments to the state constitution should require a 60% majority by voters.
How to make your voice count
South Dakota News Watch wants to hear not just from the people in power but from the voters. What questions need to be asked of those who run for office or campaign for issues? Review and submit the form below to highlight issues you consider most critical heading into the 2026 elections.
Join other South Dakotans and support statewide storytelling.
This story was produced by South Dakota News Watch, an independent, nonprofit news organization. Read more stories and donate at sdnewswatch.org and sign up for an email to get story summaries. Contact politics and statehouse reporter Alexander Rifaat at 605-736-4396 (call/text) or alexander.rifaat@sdnewswatch.org.
