Question 1

What Does “Resident” Mean for Voting?

Accepted Answer

You are considered a resident of South Dakota if: You have a fixed, permanent place where you live and usually sleep for at least 30 consecutive daysYou plan to come back to South Dakota if you leave for a while.Other Details:If you live in a South Dakota county but temporarily go to another county, state, or territory, you are still a resident of your home county.If you live somewhere in South Dakota and don’t plan to move, that’s your residenceYou stop being a South Dakota resident if you move to another state or territory and plan to live their permanently.You can only be a resident of one place at a time.

Question 2

Who Can Register to Vote?

Accepted Answer

You can register to vote if: You are a resident of South Dakota (as explained at the bottom of this page).You meet the voter qualifications (for example, age, citizenship) for the next municipal, primary, general, or school district election.Where you vote: You can only vote in the precinct (local voting area) where you live.

Question 3

Which ID Do I Have to Provide? What if I don't have one?

Accepted Answer

What if you don’t have a South Dakota driver’s license, state ID, or social security number?You must: Complete your registration in person at your County Auditor’s OfficeFill out and sign a statement under oath saying you do not have any of the required IDsWhat ID do I need to bring with me to vote?You must show a photo ID. Approved IDs include:• South Dakota driver’s license or nondriver IDU.S. passport or other U.S. government-issued photo IDMilitary IDStudent ID from a South Dakota high school or collegeTribal photo IDNo ID?You can still vote by signing a personal identification affidavit.

Question 4

How Do Primary Elections Work for Voters in South Dakota?

Accepted Answer

In a primary election:Voters only receive a ballot for their registered partyIf you’re registered as Independent (IND) or No Party Affiliation (NPA), you may choose a ballot based on the party’s rulesHere’s how it works in South Dakota:Democratic Primary: Open to Democrats and IND/NPA votersLibertarian Primary: Open to Libertarians, and IND/NPA votersRepublican Primary: Only open to registered Republicans

Question 5

Is Your Voter Information Public?

Accepted Answer

What is public:Your nameYour addressYour partyYear of birthEmail addressPhone numberRegistration infoThese can be used for election purposes.What is private:Month and day of birthDriver’s license numberSocial Security NumberThe source of your registration

Question 6

What Does “Inactive” Mean?

Accepted Answer

You’re marked “inactive” if you haven’t voted or updated your voter information in four years.Inactive voters can still voteYou’ll just be asked to update your registration when you vote

Voting Information

Registration Form

Voter Registration Info Portal

County Auditor Addresses

How to Register

Voter Registration Form

Register to vote in South Dakota

Change your registration name or address

Change your party affiliation

Cancel your voter registration - Do this by filling out Section 11 of the voter registration form (Please include your DOB and sign the form).

Voter Information Portal

What Voter Information Can I View Here:

Frequently Asked Questions