Simplified: If you're into politics – and even if you're not – it's hard to avoid talk about the 2022 Midterm elections, and, of course the gubernatorial election in South Dakota. But, those aren't the only issues on the ballot this year. Here's why now is the time to start paying attention to the April municipal election.

Why it matters

  • There's the obvious "why voting matters" answer about your right to vote, civic engagement and participating in a democracy so your voice can be heard. That's all part of it, but now is also the time to reflect on who should be on the ballot in the first place.
  • Right now, people who want to be in a public office are going around asking for signatures of registered voters – essentially a signal that the community is behind this person seeking office.
  • And, as City Clerk Tom Greco put it, it's also not too late to decide to run yourself if you want to be the person representing the community on the Sioux Falls City Council, as the city's mayor or on the Sioux Falls School Board.
"Now is the time to get involved," Greco said, "whether it's researching candidates or even deciding if you yourself are going to run."

The election isn't until April. How can I get involved now as a voter?

Sign a petition

The prospective candidates are out asking for signatures. Depending on the position someone is seeking, they'll need between 20 and 200 signatures to get on the ballot.

  • It's a good time to get to know them, follow them on social media or ask them directly about who they are and what they value.

You can sign a nominating petition for a wannabe city councilor or mayor if:

  • You are a registered voter.
  • You live in the district or city they represent. (At-large council seats represent the entire city, so as long as you live in Sioux Falls you can sign for someone seeking those positions.)

You can sign a nominating petition for a wannabe school board member if:

  • You are a registered voter.
  • You live in the Sioux Falls School District boundaries.*

*The Sioux Falls school board election is on the same ballot as the city election. If you live in a different school district, check to see if there's a separate school board election (or even a municipal election in your town) this spring.

Check if you're registered to vote

It's not too early to double-check your voter registration. You can do so by searching your name on the Secretary of State's website.

Make a plan for Election Day

The Sioux Falls municipal and school board election date is April 12.

But, if you know you're going to be busy or out-of-town that day, you can fill out an absentee ballot in-person in the weeks leading up to the election.

You can also request an absentee ballot via mail. Learn more about absentee voting here.