South Dakota Voting Requirements & Information
U.S. Vote Foundation’s South Dakota Voting Requirements and Information directory informs you of South Dakota voting rules and options. It focuses on South Dakota-specific voting guidelines and information for all voters, including domestic, overseas, and military voters. Here you can find out about South Dakota voter eligibility, voter ID requirements, registration, absentee and early voting options, ways to transmit voting documents and links to specific-South Dakota voting tools. It's an all-in-one South Dakota voting resource.
General Information
Registration
You can register to vote or update your registration information:
- by mail
- in person at your elections office
- at public assistance agencies
- at military recruitment offices
- at driver's license stations and some other government offices
Election Day Voting
Polling places are open from 7am to 7pm on Election Day. Bring your ID with you when you vote on Election Day.
Find my polling place
Early Voting
Voters may apply for and cast absentee ballots in their local county Auditors Office as soon as absentee voting period begins. Bring your ID with you when you vote early.
For exact hours of in-person absentee voting contact your local office
Absentee Voting
Any registered voter may request an absentee ballot beginning 46 days prior to a primary or general election. Include a copy of your ID with your absentee application form when you mail it.
Please visit the US Vote Disability Voting Guide to see accommodations for the registration and voting process.
Eligibility Requirements
You are eligible to vote in South Dakota if you:
- Are a U.S. citizen
- Are at least 18 years old by Election Day
- Have been a state resident for at least 30 days prior to the election
You are NOT eligible to vote in South Dakota if:
- You have been legally declared "mentally incompetent" by a court
- You are currently serving a sentence including incarceration, parole, probation, or extended supervision for a felony conviction
Restorative Requirements
- If you have completed a felony sentence, including any term of incarceration, parole, supervision, period of probation, or you have been pardoned, then you are immediately eligible to register to vote
In South Dakota, in order to register to vote and cast a ballot, you must pay all restitution, fines, or other fees.
You are able to pre-register:
- if you will be 18 by Election Day
If you are a student, you are eligible to vote in South Dakota if:
- You reside in South Dakota but are attending college in another state
- You reside in another state but attend college in South Dakota
- You provide a valid photo student ID from a college/university in South Dakota at the polls
Identification Requirements
Voter Registration
To register to vote in South Dakota you should provide:
- Your South Dakota Driver's License Number
- Your South Dakota non-driver ID number
- Last Four Digits of your Social Security Number
If you do not have these IDs, you may provide:
- Last Four Digits of your Social Security Number
If you do not have a South Dakota Driver’s License or Social Security number and need help getting ID, go to www.voteriders.org.
Voting In-Person
If you are registered to vote in South Dakota, you are required to show photo ID to vote; or, you may instead sign an affidavit or similar document. Accepted forms of ID include:
- Valid Federal Issued ID
- Valid Military ID
- Valid South Dakota Driver's License
- Valid Student ID
- Valid South Dakota Non-driver's ID
- Valid Tribal ID
- Valid US Passport
If you don't have any of these when you vote absentee in person or go to the polls on Election Day, you can fill out an affidavit confirming your identity and still be allowed to vote.
- When applying for an absentee ballot, include a copy of your photo ID.
Witness / Notarization Requirements
An absentee ballot must include ONLY ONE the following in order to be counted:
- State ID or Notarized Absentee Ballot Application
Exceptions may apply for disabled voters. Please contact your local election official.
Voter Materials Transmission Options
Domestic Voter |
In-Person |
|
Fax |
|
Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Voter Registration | |||||
| Absentee Ballot Request | |||||
| Blank Ballot To Voter | |||||
| Voted-Absentee Ballot Return |