Voting is among the basic duties and responsibilities of being an American. If you have cast ballots in the past, you've experienced the satisfaction of filling in those ovals or pulling the lever. If you're 18 or older and have never voted, it's never too late.
Regardless of your experience, this guide is intended to help South Dakotans make decisions in the 2026 primary and general elections. It uses fact-based reporting to fairly and clearly explain the process and who and what are 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
- 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 the South Dakota Secretary of State's office and original reporting. 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 check back, 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.
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How and when to 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.
Important dates
Key dates for 2026:
- April 17: Primary absentee voting begins
- May 18: Primary voter registration deadline
- June 2: Primary election (polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time)
- 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)
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 (I). Incumbents are noted with an asterisk (*).
U.S. Senate
Like all 50 states, South Dakota elects has 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
One of the 435 members of the U.S. House of Representatives in Washington represents the entire state of South Dakota. Here are the candidates who have announced for that federal office.
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 announced and likely 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.
What's on the ballot
Ballot measures approved for the November 2026 general election will be explained here.
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.
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This story was produced by South Dakota News Watch, an independent, nonprofit organization. Read more stories and donate at sdnewswatch.org and sign up for an email to get stories when they're published. Contact Carson Walker at carson.walker@sdnewswatch.org.
