Election day in South Dakota and across the United States. is Tuesday, November 8, 2022. Polls will be open from 7:00 AM until 7:00 PM

But, what if I make a mistake? How long can I take? Can people try to talk to me while I'm in line? Here are answers to those questions and a sample ballot for the 2022 election (scroll down):

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The basics of voting in South Dakota, USA

  • To vote you must be registered. The South Dakota Voter Registration Deadline was October 24, 2022. Double-check your registration info HERE.
  • On election day where you vote is called a 'polling place' and which one you go to depends on where you live, go here to find out.
  • Be polite and patient. The election workers are volunteers. There may be a line, be prepared to wait for a minute.
  • Leave other people alone. Everyone at your polling place is in a hurry, please be patient and polite.
  • Bring your ID. When you get to the polling place the workers will check your name in the registration list and give you a ballot. Take that ballot to one of the designated places in the room and fill out your ballot.
  • In South Dakota, we use the 'fill in a circle with a pen' style ballots. Read the instruction and vote. When you're done you put it in the box and you're done.
  • See a Sample Ballot for the November 2022 election Bellow or HERE
  • Polls will be open from 7:00 AM until 7:00 PM (If the polls close while you’re still in line, stay in line, you have the right to vote.)

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Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about voting:

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.

  • Report intimidation to the Election Protection Hotline at 1-866-OUR-VOTE or 1-888-VE-Y-VOTA (en Español).
  • If anyone challenges you about voting, don't get mad - get help or call the South Dakota ACLU voting information hotline at 866-687-8683. Or the Election Protection Hotline at 1-866-OUR-VOTE or 1-888-VE-Y-VOTA (en Español).
  • Report intimidation to your local election officials. Their offices will be open on Election Day. (ACLU.ORG)

 South Dakota Statute 12-18-3.   Electioneering, offices, distracting communications devices, and signature gathering prohibited near polling place--Violation as misdemeanor. Except for sample ballots and materials and supplies necessary for the conduct of the election, no person may, in any polling place or within or on any building in which a polling place is located or within one hundred feet from any entrance leading into a polling place, maintain a campaign office or public address system, or use any communication or photographic device in a manner which repeatedly distracts, interrupts, or intimidates any voter or election worker, or display campaign posters, signs, or other campaign materials or by any like means solicit any votes for or against any person or political party or position on a question submitted or which may be submitted. No person may engage in any practice which interferes with the voter's free access to the polls or disrupts the administration of the polling place, or conduct any petition signature gathering, on the day of an election, within one hundred feet of a polling place. For the purposes of this section, the term, polling place, means a designated place voters may go to vote on the day of the election or go to vote absentee. A violation of this section is a Class 2 misdemeanor. -South Dakota Codified Law

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, 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 a new 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, 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 says the US Congress sets the election day. In the 1800s Congress set it as the first Tuesday after the First Monday in November.

 Sample Ballot for 2022 South Dakota Election

Note: State legislature candidates will be voting district specific

South Dakota sample ballot 2022 election
South Dakota Secretary of State
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South Dakota sample ballot 2022 election
South Dakota Secretary of State
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South Dakota sample ballot 2022 election
South Dakota Secretary of State
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Ben Kuhns is just some guy on the internet. He is a wannabe writer, and his wife thinks he's funny. He writes for Results-Townsquare Media in Sioux Falls South Dakota.

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