Can People Find Out Whom I Voted For? And Other Voting FAQs

It's an election year in the United States. It's our opportunity to make our voices heard. It's sort of like a performance review for the public servants that we the people employ.

Since voting is very important, it can seem like a complicated mess to navigate. Especially when you're new to the process. You may have some questions about the process if you just turned 18 or are returning to the ballot box after a while.

South Dakota Election Dates 2024

• 2024 General Election - November 5, 2024
• Voter Registration Deadline - October 21, 2024
• Absentee voting begins - September 20, 2024

MORE: How to Vote Early in South Dakota

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Let's break down some Frequently Asked Questions About Voting in The United States

First things first, you have to be registered to vote in the county you live in. In South Dakota, the voter registration deadline is October 21, 2024.

Go to your County Auditor's office (usually in your county courthouse); your local Driver's license station; agencies providing food stamps, TANF or WIC, or military recruitment offices and fill out this form, and you are good to go. It is very simple!

Remember it is always free to vote and to register. No matter your name, the state you once lived in, your address, or whatever.

It's also a good idea to double-check your voting information and make sure you are still registered and have not been erased from the voter rolls.

MORE: 2024 Election Prep: Verify Your South Dakota Voter Registration Now

VOTING FAQ:

The Basics:

To vote on election day, you'll go to your assigned polling place and get in line. When you come to the table with the election folks you will show your ID, and they will confirm your registration. Then they will give you a ballot and direct you to one of the booths.

South Dakota uses the fill-in-the-circle type of ballot. It should be pretty self-explanatory.

When you are done you put your ballot in the box with the election folks, and you have done your duty.

Can People Find Out Whom I Voted For?

No. Nobody will know who you voted for. Everybody's voter REGISTRATION information is public; your address, polling place, party affiliation (if you have one, you don't have to), and whether you voted or not. The secret vote is a cornerstone of American democracy.

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. Polling places are open from 7:00 AM until 7:00 PM on election day. 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. They are great.

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.