2024 Election Prep: Verify Your South Dakota Voter Registration Now

I don't know if you've heard, but 2024 is an election year in the United States. It's one of the big ones that includes voting for president. We'll also have the opportunity to vote on several proposed laws and lots of state and local offices.

But, before we get to cast our votes and set the direction of our nation, we have to be registered to vote.

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It's not just important for first-time voters or South Dakota transplants to register to vote, it's also important for people who have registered to make sure they still are.

2024 General Election - November 5, 2024
South Dakota Voter Registration Deadline is October 21, 2024
South Dakota Absentee voting begins on September 20, 2024

How To Check Your South Dakota Voter Registration

If you have registered to vote in South Dakota in the past, now is the time to double-check that you are still registered to vote. From computer malfunction to typos, things can happen. Take a few minutes now and make sure everything is up to date before election day.

GO HERE: To the South Dakota Voter Information Portal to check your voter registration, precinct, and polling place information. You will also be able to see a sample ballot here when they are available.

Now is also the time to update your info if you have moved to, or within, the city where you now live.

Does South Dakota Purge Voters?

Many states, including South Dakota, purge their lists of registered voters. It's often a necessary housekeeping practice to ensure the voter rolls are up to date. For example to remove the names of people who've died or moved out of state.

South Dakota law says it must be done every couple of years to remove people who have not voted in the last four years. The law says that if a voter has not voted in the last four years and is not reachable at the listed address, their name may be purged.

How To Register To Vote in South Dakota

Here are official links and information from the State of South Dakota on how to register to vote. Remember: The South Dakota Voter Registration Deadline is October 21, 2024.

It has to be done in person. You can register at any of these places in South Dakota:

• Your county auditor's office
• Driver's license station (when you are renewing or applying for a driver's license you may also register to vote on the driver's license application)
• City Finance Office
• Public assistance agencies providing food stamps, TANF or WIC
• Department of Human Services offices which provide assistance to the disabled
• Military recruitment offices

Answers to Some Frequently Asked Questions About Voting
Where Do I Vote?
Find your polling place, the place you cast your ballot, in South Dakota HERE

Do I have to vote in every race or ballot question?
No. Leave it blank when you don't feel informed enough to make a decision. For example, some voters only want to vote for president and vice president.

The races and public measures you choose to vote on will be counted and the races and public measures you do not vote on will not be counted.

As long as you mark your choice according to the instructions, all the votes you do make WILL be counted, and your ballot WILL be valid even if you skip some parts.

How long may I stay in the polling booth?
There is no time limit. If you need to take your time reading and thinking, please do.

What if I make a mistake on my ballot?
You may request another paper ballot.

Will I still be able to vote if I am in line past 7:00 PM on Election Day?
Yes. Voters who are in line at their polling location by 7:00 PM are allowed to vote no matter how long it takes for each person to cast a ballot.

Can Someone Help Me Vote?
If you need some help because you are disabled or cannot read the ballot, federal law allows you to have a friend or relative assist you in the voting booth. Elections employees at the polling place can also help you.

My vote doesn't matter in this state, because it'll for sure go for (certain politician).
You don't know that. It's always worth casting your vote. Each of us cannot know the minds of the other voters.

Even if you're on the side of any issue or race that gets fewer votes, a close vote count (like 51%-49%) is an important message to send to the local, state, and national governments.

Will the Election Day Change or Be Moved?
No. No matter what a mailing, a phone call, a Facebook post, or what anyone says; election days do not normally move.

If a disaster or national emergency forces the movement of an election day you will hear about it from every legitimate news source and local government officials.

Article 2 of the Constitution directs the Congress of the United States to set election day. In the 1800s Congress set it as the first Tuesday after the First Monday in November.

Can People Approach Me, Talk To Me, Bother Me, Or Try To Make Me Vote A Certain Way At The Polling Place?
No. It is against the law in South Dakota to campaign at a polling place, interfere with a voter, or try to shame or encourage anyone to vote a certain way.

Take a few minutes now to make sure you are still on the voter registration rolls and that all your info is up to date; do that here as soon as possible.