Everything you need to know before you vote

Megan Raposa -

Simplified: With 30 questions on the ballot for Sioux Falls voters, this isn't an election where you want to go in unprepared. Take a few minutes to review what you'll be voting on and learn everything you need to know for Election Day on Nov. 8.

What's on the ballot?

Frankly, a lot. Let's break it down quick.

Statewide races

  • This is where we get the big ones, including U.S. Senator, U.S. House, South Dakota Governor and a handful of other important statewide positions.
  • See a full breakdown here.

Statewide ballot measures

  • There's two – one related to Medicaid expansion (Amendment D) and one related to recreational marijuana (IM 27).
  • See a breakdown of what yes/no votes on each of those mean (and an explanation of the difference between an amendment and an initiated measure) here.  

State Legislature races

  • Every legislative district in the state – there are 35 of them – has candidates vying to represent them in Pierre.
  • Sioux Falls Simplified chatted with candidates statewide – find your district, and meet the candidates here.

County-level races

City-level ballot measure

  • If you live in Sioux Falls city limits, you'll also be asked to vote yes or no on a ballot measure related to slaughterhouses.
  • Get some background on the issue here.
  • A 'yes' vote means no new slaughterhouses can be built in Sioux Falls city limits. (It'll also likely mean a further legal battle for Wholestone Farms.)
  • A 'no' vote means no change to city ordinances, and nothing changes from what the rules are now – i.e. no slaughterhouse ban.

How do I know where to vote?

You have to vote at your designated polling place. You can easily find that information by going to the Secretary of State's voter information portal.

  • There you'll find an address for your polling place and your precinct number.
  • You can also look at a sample ballot so you know exactly what to expect when you go in to vote.

What if I'm not registered to vote?

You're out of luck this time.

South Dakota doesn't allow same-day voting, and the registration deadline was Oct. 24. BUT, if you're not registered to vote, it's still worth registering now so you know you're all set next time a big election rolls around.

What do I need to have with me in order to vote?

Nothing – but the process will go quicker for you if you have your ID.

If you don't have an ID, you can still vote. You'll just have to sign an affidavit saying that you're you.

Can I still vote absentee?

Yes. You can vote in-person absentee at the Minnehaha County Administration Building through 5 p.m. Monday.

If you vote on Election Day, though, you can't just show up at the county building. You have to vote at your polling place (which, again, you can find here.)