South Dakota Primary and Delegate Rules
Last reviewed: July 26, 2026. South Dakota primary election and presidential delegate rule information is summarized from the source links listed on this page. Confirm final rules, deadlines, and party procedures with the listed official sources.
Quick Answer
- Primary types: Democratic presidential: Partially Closed; Democratic state: Partially Closed; Republican presidential: Partially Closed; Republican state: Partially Closed.
- Consolidated presidential and state primaries: Yes.
- Democratic delegates: 19 total, 14 pledged, 5 unpledged, 2 alternates.
- Republican delegates: 29 total, 29 pledged, 0 unpledged, 26 alternates.
South Dakota Primary Election Types
| Party | Contest | Primary type |
|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Presidential | Partially Closed |
| Democratic | State | Partially Closed |
| Republican | Presidential | Partially Closed |
| Republican | State | Partially Closed |
Presidential and State Primaries Scheduling
Consolidated Primaries: Yes
South Dakota is one of the states that have merged their presidential and state primaries. On a Presidential Election year, presidential primary and State primary are scheduled to run on the same days
No person may vote a party ballot at any primary election unless the person is registered as a member of that political party in the precinct in which the person seeks to vote. Any political party in its constitution or bylaws may allow for participation in the party's primary elections by any person who is registered to vote with no party affiliation (NPA).
South Dakota Presidential Delegate Allocation
The presidential primary process involves selecting delegates who will represent the state at the party's national convention. Delegates selected from the primary elections attend the party's national convention, where they officially nominate the presidential candidate. The candidate with the majority of delegates becomes the party's nominee for the presidential election. Candidates Ballot access rules vary depending on the candidate’s political party.
| Party | Total delegate votes | Pledged | Unpledged | Alternates | Allocation method | Threshold |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic Party | 19 | 14 | 5 | 2 | Proportional | 15% minimum vote required |
| Republican Party | 29 | 29 | 0 | 26 | caucus | Not specified |
Democratic Party Primary Delegates Process
Democratic Party's Delegates Allocation
The Democratic party will send a total of 19 Delegate Votes (14 Pledged, 5 unpledged) and 2 Alternate delegates to the Democratic National Convention. The party will use a proportional representation system based on the results of the Presidential Primary Election for apportioning pledged delegates to the Democratic National Convention.
Presidential Candidates Ballot Access
- A presidential candidate gains access to the State presidential preference primary ballot if:
- The candidate has filed the appropriate registration information with the federal election commission (FEC) to become a candidate for president of the United States; and
- Please check with the State Democratic party for further requirements.
Delegates Breakdown
- District-level Delegates: 9
- At-large Delegates: 3
- Pledged PLEOs Delegates: 2
- Automatic Delegates - Unpledged PLEOs: 5
- Alternate Delegates: 2
Automatic Delegates (Unpledged PLEOs - Super Delegates) Breakdown
- DNC Members: 4
- Dem. Members of Congress: 0
- Dem. Governors: 0
- Distinguished Party Leaders: 1
Republican Party Primary Delegates Process
Republican Party's Delegates Allocation
The Republican party will send a total of 29 Delegate Votes (3 district-level, 23 at-large, 3 RNC) and 26 Alternate delegates to the Republican National Convention. There is no formal system to relate the presidential preference of the Convention participants to the choice of the delegates to the Republican Convention. Three party leaders, the National Committeeman, the National Committeewoman, and the chairman of the South Dakota's Republican Party, will attend the convention as unpledged delegates by virtue of their position.
Presidential Candidates Ballot Access
- A presidential candidate gains access to the State presidential preference primary ballot if:
- The candidate has filed the appropriate registration information with the federal election commission (FEC) to become a candidate for president of the United States; and
- Please check with the State Republican party for additional requirements.
Delegates Breakdown
- District-level Delegates: 3
- At-large Delegates: 23
- RNC Delegates: 3
- Alternate Delegates: 26
About These Rules
This page contains primary election rules and presidential primary delegate allocation information for states and U.S. territories.
Primary voting rules and delegate allocation usually apply to statewide partisan primary elections. Check with your local election office for current guidance because rules, dates, and party procedures can change.Sources and Related Election Pages
The information provided on this page was validated using the following resources: