Simplified: It's Election Day! And while certainly there's significant decisions to be made on a national level, there are also very big issues on the ballot closer to home. Here's what you need to know before you vote.
Why it matters
- Whew, where to even start here...voting is the most direct way you can influence how our community operates.
- Your vote for local officials determines who will be writing our state laws and county ordinances.
- Your vote on ballot measures determines how the state regulates everything from marijuana to abortion.
- Your vote in the presidential and Congressional races sets the tone for national policy and determines how many organizations statewide will receive (or not receive) funding.
- All this to say, your vote matters. Even if you don't care about politics. Even if you don't like any of the options. The election outcomes will impact you, and choosing to not vote means you're letting other people decide your future for you.
Ok, enough of that soapbox. Let's get to the guide:
Where do I vote?
You can vote in-person absentee from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Monday in both Minnehaha and Lincoln Counties.
On Election Day, you must vote in the designated polling place for your precinct.
- Not sure what your precinct is? Check the "Voter Information Portal" on the South Dakota Secretary of State's Office.
What's on the ballot?
Quite a bit.
First up, the big one: the presidential race.
- You'll notice there are maybe more names than you're expecting in this section of the ballot. That's because you're technically not voting directly for president, rather, you're voting for the "electors," i.e. the folks who will cast South Dakota's three votes in the Electoral College.
- This is the part where you should select the presidential candidate you want to win, and the electors will take it from there.
Next up, it's Johnson v. Johnson.
- South Dakota's lone seat in the U.S. House of Representatives will be filled by either incumbent Dusty Johnson (R), or challenger Sheryl Johnson (D).
- South Dakota Searchlight has some very helpful information on each candidate that you can find here.
Then, you'll vote for South Dakota's next Public Utilities Commissioner.
- You can again look to our friends at South Dakota Searchlight for candidate bios and interviews on the three candidates.
Then, you'll select who you want to represent you in Pierre.
- Your options here will depend on where you live. Here's a comprehensive guide to Sioux Falls area state legislative candidates:
Megan Raposa
After that, you'll hit your county commission races:
- If you live in Lincoln County District 2, you'll have a choice between candidates Betty Otten (R) and James C. : (D).
- If you live in Minnehaha County, you'll select two of the three candidates on the ballot:
- Dean Karsky (R), Cole Heisey (R), and Anny Libengood (I).
- The Dakota Scout has a rundown of these three candidates (you may need a subscription to read.)
The last one before we hit the ballot measures is a decision about whether South Dakota Supreme Court Justice Scott P. Myren – who was appointed by Gov. Kristi Noem in 2021 – continue to another term on the state's highest court.
- South Dakota Searchlight has a nice little bio on Justice Myren that you can find here.
Phew, that's a lot of decisions to make. And we haven't even hit the ballot measures...
Speaking of ballot measures, there are seven questions to be decided. You can find a full breakdown on what your vote means in each case here:
Megan Raposa
But here's the TL;DR rundown on the topics:
- Amendment E: Updating gender references in the state constitution.
- Amendment F: Paving the way for work requirements for certain Medicaid recipients.
- Amendment G: Reinstating abortion access to a similar setup that was available for decades under Roe v. Wade.
- Amendment H: Switching up how South Dakota conducts primary elections so everyone gets the same ballot and the top two vote getters, regardless of party, move on to the general election ballot.
- Initiated Measure 28: Repealing the state's tax on "anything sold for human consumption."
- Initiated Measure 29: Legalizing recreational marijuana.
- Referred Law 21: Establishing statewide rules for how counties tax pipelines as well as establishing a "landowner bill of rights."
Ok, so I should definitely do my homework before I vote. What else do I need to know?
Here's a little FAQ for ya:
What if I'm not registered to vote?
You're out of luck this time.
South Dakota doesn't allow same-day voter registration. You can still get yourself registered to vote now so you don't run into this when the next election rolls around, but you won't be able to vote on Tuesday.
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.
What if I have to work?
Per South Dakota law, your employer has to allow you paid time off work for up to two consecutive hours to go cast a ballot.
For what it's worth, you'll likely be able to get in and out of your precinct within a few minutes.
What if English isn't my first language?
South Dakota Voices for Peace has had sample ballots translated into Spanish, Amharic, Arabic and Nepali.
- You can find those ballots here, print them out and take them with you into the voting booth for reference.
What if I run into any trouble voting or have questions day-of?
You can call your county auditor's office.
- In Minnehaha County, that number is 605-367-4220.
- In Lincoln County, that number is 605-764-2581.
Have a question that's not answered here?
Email Megan at megan@sfsimplified.com or text me at 605-545-4565, and I'll do my best to help you find the answer!
