Voter Registration Changes 2026 – South Dakota Information

In 2026, South Dakota voters will choose a governor and lieutenant governor, a U.S. Senator and Representative, 105 state legislators and many other local officials.

The process begins with primary elections on June 2, 2026. The general election is scheduled for November 3, 2026.

A new law took effect in March 2026, that will impact people registering to vote for the first time in South Dakota.

SB 175 requires that people registering to vote for the first time or those who had been removed from the state’s voter rolls must provide documentation of United States citizenship when they register.

Under the law, acceptable proof of citizenship for voter registration includes:

  • A South Dakota driver’s license or nondriver identification issued after July 1, 2025
  • A driver’s license or nondriver identification from another state that shows citizenship has been verified
  • A tribal identification card
  • A photocopy of a birth certificate, U.S. passport, or certification of naturalization

There are additional documents that may also be used to prove citizenship. Find a list here  or call your county auditor for details.

People whose name on their ID does not match their birth certificate, if they do not have a passport, may need full documentation to prove the progression of their name change.  Contact your county auditor for details.

Please note that the voter registration proof of citizenship in this law only applies to people registering to vote in South Dakota for the first time or people who had been removed from the voter rolls and want to register again.  Voters who are currently registered, or making updates like change of address, name or political party affiliation, do not have to provide proof of citizenship.

  • You may confirm your voter registration on the Secretary of State’s Voter Information Portal (V.I.P.)
  • You can register to vote by mail. The Secretary of State website has the details and required forms.
  • In-person registration is available at:
    • County Auditors’ Offices
    • Drivers’ License Stations
    • City Finance Offices
    • Public Assistance agencies

South Dakota Deadlines for 2026 Voting

  • Registration Deadline for Primary Election: Monday, May 18th.
  • Absentee Voting Begins Tuesday, April 17th
  • Election Day Voting Polls will be open from 7:00am – 7:00pm local time.
  • Registration Deadline for General Election: Monday, October 19th
  • Absentee Voting – Begins Friday, September 18th
  • Election Day Voting Polls will be open from 7:00am – 7:00pm local time.

Visit the Secretary of State Voter Information Portal (V.I.P) for details on candidates, ballot questions, polling locations and other frequently asked questions.

For more information, call 211 or search our online database:

  • helplinecenter.org/2-1-1
    • Enter your zip code
      • Select Government category
        • Search for Passports
          County Auditor
          Secretary of State

Sources:
South Dakota Secretary of State https://sdsos.gov/default.aspx

Disclaimer: This HelpSheet is developed by the Helpline Center for informational purposes only. HelpSheets provide a brief overview of the designated topic. For more information, call 211 or text your zip code to 898211.

Updated March 2026