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South Dakota elections in 2026

This page lists South Dakota statewide election dates, voter registration deadlines, absentee and early voting timelines, poll hours, and official election resources.

At a glance​

Register to vote in South Dakota​

Start with the official South Dakota voter registration page. The section below highlights registration methods and the deadlines tied to the next statewide election on this page.

South Dakota voters may register by mail or in person. Registration deadlines may vary by election type or method where noted.

Upcoming registration deadlines​

  • May 18, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline In Person: In person registration deadline is 15 days before Election Day. Print the Voter Registration Form, fill-out the form, sign it and then submit it to your County Auditor. Your Voter Registration form with an original signature must be received by the auditor 15 days before any election if you wish to vote in that election. South Dakota law does not allow you to submit your voter registration form via fax or email.
  • May 18, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline By Mail, Fax or email attachment: Print the Voter Registration Form, fill-out the form, sign it and then mail it to your County Auditor. Your mailed-in registration form must be received 15 days before Election Day.

Online​

Online is not currently listed as an available registration option for South Dakota.

By Mail​

Print the Voter Registration Form, fill-out the form, sign it and then mail it to your County Auditor. Your mailed-in registration form must be received 15 days before Election Day

Deadlines

In Person​

In person registration deadline is 15 days before Election Day. Print the Voter Registration Form, fill-out the form, sign it and then submit it to your County Auditor. Your Voter Registration form with an original signature must be received by the auditor 15 days before any election if you wish to vote in that election. South Dakota law does not allow you to submit your voter registration form via fax or email

Deadlines

Special registration options​

Military Overseas: Available

If you are an overseas citizen voter and want to register to vote, please register to vote and send your application to your County Election Official. If you are registering to vote or updating your voter registration, you must mail the original form to the county auditor's office.

Additional registration notes​

Other Registration Option

The National Mail Voter Registration Form may also be available where accepted.

Registration Status

Consider yourself registered when- and only when- you receive an acknowledgment from your county clerk. Never assume you are registered to vote until you have received this acknowledgment. Call your county clerk and inquire about the status of your application. Check your voter registration status online by visiting this site

Absentee and early voting in South Dakota​

These absentee and early voting deadlines are tied to the next statewide election listed on this page. Local procedures can vary, so confirm final details with your local election office.

  • April 17, 2026 — Absentee Voting Begins: In-person absentee voting begins 46 days before election. Absentee voting for the Primary Election begins on this date (SDCL 12-19-1. 2). Ballots must be sent out within forty-eight hours of an application being received (SDCL 12-19-3).
  • May 18, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline In Person: In person registration deadline is 15 days before Election Day. Print the Voter Registration Form, fill-out the form, sign it and then submit it to your County Auditor. Your Voter Registration form with an original signature must be received by the auditor 15 days before any election if you wish to vote in that election. South Dakota law does not allow you to submit your voter registration form via fax or email.
  • May 18, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline By Mail, Fax or email attachment: Print the Voter Registration Form, fill-out the form, sign it and then mail it to your County Auditor. Your mailed-in registration form must be received 15 days before Election Day.
  • June 1, 2026 — Absentee Ballot Request Deadline: Last day for a voter to request an absentee ballot. A voter must request an absentee ballot before 5: 00 p. m. local time on this date (SDCL 12-19-2. 1). No public official may mail an absentee ballot to a voter after the Monday prior to Election Day (SDCL 12-19-5).

Voter ID requirements in South Dakota​

Review the current voter ID rules before you vote: South Dakota voter ID requirements.

South Dakota election dates for 2026​

Primary Election — June 2, 2026​

Statewide and Federal primaries are held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in June of each even-numbered year to select the nominees of the major political parties for partisan offices - SD ST § 12-2-1

Important dates​

  • April 17, 2026 — Absentee Voting Begins: In-person absentee voting begins 46 days before election. Absentee voting for the Primary Election begins on this date (SDCL 12-19-1. 2). Ballots must be sent out within forty-eight hours of an application being received (SDCL 12-19-3).
  • May 18, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline In Person: In person registration deadline is 15 days before Election Day. Print the Voter Registration Form, fill-out the form, sign it and then submit it to your County Auditor. Your Voter Registration form with an original signature must be received by the auditor 15 days before any election if you wish to vote in that election. South Dakota law does not allow you to submit your voter registration form via fax or email.
  • May 18, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline By Mail, Fax or email attachment: Print the Voter Registration Form, fill-out the form, sign it and then mail it to your County Auditor. Your mailed-in registration form must be received 15 days before Election Day.
  • June 1, 2026 — Absentee Ballot Request Deadline: Last day for a voter to request an absentee ballot. A voter must request an absentee ballot before 5: 00 p. m. local time on this date (SDCL 12-19-2. 1). No public official may mail an absentee ballot to a voter after the Monday prior to Election Day (SDCL 12-19-5).

General Election — November 3, 2026​

November General election is held the Tuesday after the first Monday of November

Important dates​

  • September 18, 2026 — Absentee voting begins: Absentee voting for the General Election begins on this date (SDCL 12-19-1. 2). Ballots must be sent out within forty-eight hours of an application being received (
  • October 19, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline In Person: In person registration deadline is 15 days before Election Day. Print the Voter Registration Form, fill-out the form, sign it and then submit it to your County Auditor. Your Voter Registration form with an original signature must be received by the auditor 15 days before any election if you wish to vote in that election. South Dakota law does not allow you to submit your voter registration form via fax or email.
  • October 19, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline By Mail, Fax or email attachment: Print the Voter Registration Form, fill-out the form, sign it and then mail it to your County Auditor. Your mailed-in registration form must be received 15 days before Election Day.
  • November 2, 2026 — Absentee Ballot Request Deadline: Last day for a voter to request an absentee ballot. A voter must request an absentee ballot before 5: 00 p. m. local time on this date (SDCL 12-19-2. 1). No public official may mail an absentee ballot to a voter after the Monday prior to Election Day (SDCL 12-19-5)

Official South Dakota election resources​

Use these official and state-specific resources to confirm dates, registration rules, absentee voting requirements, voter ID rules, and local procedures.

What may vary locally​

Election dates, voter registration deadlines, early voting, absentee voting, and voting hours apply to statewide elections in most cases. However, Check with your Town Clerk for the hours of voting, and voter registration deadlines as they vary by town. Please be advised that these dates are updated regularly but are subject to scheduling changes at the local level.