SOUTH DAKOTA
Requirements to vote:
18 years old on or by Election Day.
US citizen.
Resident of South Dakota. You can see the specifications for the definition of residency are here: https://sdsos.gov/elections-voting/voting/register-to-vote/residency-qualification.aspx
Not be currently serving a sentence for a felony.
How do I register?
In the state of South Dakota, you can register to vote via mail or in person. You cannot register to vote online.
To register via mail, fill out this form at send it to your county auditor. You can find the form at: https://sdsos.gov/elections-voting/voting/register-to-vote/default.aspx. You can find your county auditor’s address at: https://sdsos.gov/contact-us/county-auditors.aspx
Your form must be received (not postmarked) 15 days before Election Day.
To register in person, you can go to any of the following locations:
County auditor's office
DMV when receiving or updating your license
City Finance Office
Public assistance agencies providing food stamps, TANF or WIC
Department of Human Services offices which provide assistance to the disabled
Military recruitment offices
The deadline to register in person is 15 days before Election Day.
You do not have to register with a party in order to vote in a general election. However, for primary elections, South Dakota allows parties to decide who can vote in their primary election.
The South Dakota Constitution Primary is closed to only registered Constitution party voters. The South Dakota Democratic Primary is open to registered Democrats and Independents/No Party Affiliation voters, but not Republicans. The South Dakota Libertarian Primary is closed to only registered Libertarians. The South Dakota Republican Primary is closed to only registered Republicans.
If you do choose to register with a party, you will only receive that party’s ballot.
If you legally change your name, move to a new address, or want to change your party affiliation, you should submit a new voter registration via mail or in person.
Can I pre-register?
No.