South Dakota Election Results 2026: Voting has ended

All voters who appear at a South Dakota polling place must show proof of identification. Accepted photo IDs are a South Dakota driver's license or nondriver ID card, a U.S. government photo ID including a passport, a U.S. Armed Forces ID, a current student photo ID from a South Dakota high school or accredited institution of higher education, or a tribal photo ID. A voter without an accepted photo ID can sign a personal identification affidavit and still vote a regular ballot. Photo ID is also required when voting absentee in person at the county auditor's office.

To register to vote in South Dakota you must be a United States citizen, reside in South Dakota, be at least 18 years old on or before the next election, not currently be serving a sentence for a felony conviction, and not have been judged mentally incompetent by a court. The signed registration form must be received by the county auditor 15 days before the election. Under SB 175 (effective March 26, 2026) new registrants provide documentary proof of citizenship, such as a South Dakota driver license or nondriver ID issued after July 1, 2025, a tribal ID, or a copy of a birth certificate or U.S. passport; a new voter without such proof is registered as a federal-only voter.

In South Dakota a person currently serving a sentence for a felony conviction in either federal or state court is removed from the voter registration records and cannot vote. The person becomes eligible to register to vote again upon completion of his or her sentence. A person who receives a suspended imposition of sentence does not lose the right to vote. The Secretary of State's FAQ adds that eligibility depends on when you were convicted and sentenced, and that generally voting rights are restored once you complete your sentence.