Tuesday, November 3, 2026
South Dakota General Election
Every South Dakota voter will see the statewide races below.
Election Day
U.S. House and local races for South Dakota are coming soon. To see your full ballot now, use South Dakota Secretary of State: Voter Information Portal.
Statewide races
On every South Dakota ballot.
Key dates
- Fri, September 18, 2026: Absentee voting beginsVote absentee in person at your county auditor's office (photo ID or a signed affidavit) or request a mailed absentee ballot.
- Mon, October 19, 2026: Voter registration deadlineRegistration forms must be received by your county auditor by 5 p.m. local time 15 days before the election. South Dakota does not offer Election Day registration.
- Mon, November 2, 2026: Last day to apply for an absentee ballot in personIn-person absentee applications are accepted at the county election office until 5 p.m. (or the end of regular office hours, if later) the day before the election.
- Tue, November 3, 2026: Election DayPolls open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time. Absentee ballots must be received by your county election official on Election Day in time to be delivered to your precinct before polls close; a postmark is not enough.
Sources: South Dakota Secretary of State: 2026 Election Information; South Dakota Secretary of State: Register to Vote; South Dakota Secretary of State: Absentee Voting; South Dakota Secretary of State: Voting; South Dakota Codified Laws 12-4-5: Voter registration deadline. Check with your local election office for early-voting hours and locations.