How to register to vote – and why to do it now

Megan Raposa -

Simplified: It's election season, and there's a lot more on the November ballot than the presidential race. If you want to have a say in who's representing you in Pierre, whether South Dakotans pay sales tax on groceries, our state's abortion access, and much more, now is the time to make a plan to register to vote.

Why it matters

  • In order to vote in the November 5 election – including the presidential race, various ballot measures, Congressional and South Dakota legislative races – you must be registered to vote by Oct. 21.
  • Aside from the obvious significance of a presidential election, there are also dozens of Statehouse races and about a half-dozen ballot measures that would impact how the state reguleates everything from sales tax to abortion to Medicaid to marijuana.
  • South Dakota does not have same-day voter registration, so if you wait until Election Day to make sure you're signed up, it's going to be too late.
"If something comes in (October) 22, we're not even going to look at it for registering for the general election," said Mike Mathis, election coordinator for Minnehaha County.

How do I know I'm eligible to register to vote?

In order to register to vote in South Dakota, you must fit the following criteria:

  • Be a United States citizen,
  • Live in South Dakota,
  • Be at least 18 years old,
  • Not be currently serving a sentence for a felony conviction,
  • Not be judged mentally incompetent by a court of law.

It's worth noting that if you have previously been convicted of a felony but your sentence has been fully served, you are again eligible to register to vote. More on the specific legalese here.

How do I register?

You have to register with this paper form.

  • The first step is figuring out which county you live in. As a general rule, if you're in Sioux Falls and live north of 57th Street, you're likely in Minnehaha County. South of 57th Street, you're likely in Lincoln County.
  • Then, fill out the form, and mail it to the county auditor in your county.
    • The address for Minnehaha County is 415 N. Dakota Ave., Sioux Falls, SD, 57104.
    • The address for Lincoln County is 104 N. Main, Suite 110, Canton, SD 57013.
    • Find addresses for other South Dakota counties here.

Are there other places to register?

Yes.

You can also register when you're renewing your driver's license or at any DMV location, as well as:

  • The city finance office,
  • Public assistance agencies – i.e. places where you'd go to get connected with food stamps or other federal assistance programs,
  • Military recruitment offices,
  • Department of Human Services offices,
  • and various registration drives hosted by local agencies leading up to election day.

If you have any questions, your best bet is to call the county auditor's office. In Minnehaha County, that number is 605-367-4220, and in Lincoln County, you can call 605-764-2581.

What if I'm registered elsewhere in the city, state or in another state, but I've moved?

You'll need to update your voter registration.

To do that, it's the exact same process as above.

Can I register online?

No, you have to fill out the paper forms and mail them in or deliver them in-person.