How many electoral votes?
South Dakota is listed with 3 electoral votes in this generated guide.
Electoral College
South Dakota Electoral College votes and elector rules
South Dakota has 3 electoral votes. See allocation method, elector pledge status, selection process, and verification links.
State Summary
What to know about South Dakota Electoral College rules
How are votes awarded?
South Dakota is listed as winner-take-all. Under that summary, the statewide popular-vote winner receives the state's Electoral College votes.
Are electors pledged?
South Dakota is not listed with an elector pledge requirement in the generated model. Confirm current state law before relying on this status.
What should I verify?
Confirm vote allocation, elector pledge enforcement, vacancy replacement, certification, and meeting procedures with official state or federal materials before relying on a legal detail.
Rules
South Dakota elector pledge and vote allocation rules
Quick Facts
Electoral College rule snapshot
- Electoral votes
- 3
- Allocation method
- Winner-takes-all
- Elector pledge
- No
- Election code
- S.D. 12-24-1,12-24-2, 12-24-3, 12-24-4, 12-24-5
Allocation
Winner-takes-all
South Dakota is one of the 48 states that have a winner-takes-all rule for the Electoral College. In these States, whichever candidate receives a majority of the popular vote, or a plurality of the popular vote (less than 50 percent but more than any other candidate), takes all of the state’s Electoral votes.
Elector Pledge
No
South Dakota is one of the states that do not require their electors to vote as pledged.
Process
How South Dakota electors are selected and vote
These notes summarize the elector selection, vacancy, meeting, or voting details available in the structured state model.
How Does South Dakota Select Its Electors?
The state convention shall nominate candidates for presidential electors. The general election ballot will list the name of the presidential candidate along with his/her vice president and underneath those names it will state “electors.” The candidate that is elected will allow those three electors to meet in the Governor’s Office on the date directed by the United States Congress to perform their duties of casting...
When Do The Electors Vote?
Each elector of President and vice president of the United States shall, before the hour of eleven o'clock in the morning of the day fixed by the act of Congress to elect a President and vice president, give notice to the Governor that he is at the seat of government and ready at the proper time to perform the duties of an elector; and the Governor shall forthwith deliver to the electors present a certificate of all...
Sources
Sources and verification links
Questions
Common questions
How many Electoral College votes does South Dakota have?
South Dakota is listed with 3 Electoral College votes.
How does South Dakota allocate electoral votes?
South Dakota is listed as winner-take-all. Under that summary, the statewide popular-vote winner receives the state's Electoral College votes.
Are South Dakota electors pledged?
South Dakota is not listed with an elector pledge requirement in the generated model. Confirm current state law before relying on this status.
How are South Dakota presidential electors selected?
The state convention shall nominate candidates for presidential electors. The general election ballot will list the name of the presidential candidate along with his/her vice president and underneath those names it will state “electors.” The candidate that is elected will allow those three electors...
When do South Dakota electors vote?
Each elector of President and vice president of the United States shall, before the hour of eleven o'clock in the morning of the day fixed by the act of Congress to elect a President and vice president, give notice to the Governor that he is at the seat of government and ready at the proper time to...
Where can I verify South Dakota Electoral College rules?
Use official state or federal materials when available. This page links to selected sources including The Electoral College in South Dakota and How does the state select its electors.
Glossary
Key Electoral College terms for South Dakota
- South Dakota Electoral Votes
- South Dakota is listed with 3 electoral votes for the Electoral College in this generated guide.
- South Dakota Allocation Method
- South Dakota is listed as winner-take-all. Under that summary, the statewide popular-vote winner receives the state's Electoral College votes.
- South Dakota Elector Pledge
- South Dakota is not listed with an elector pledge requirement in the generated model. Confirm current state law before relying on this status.
- Presidential Elector
- A person appointed through the state's presidential election process to cast Electoral College votes for president and vice president.