Your Election Day survival guide
Happy Tuesday! Megan here.
It's Election Day in Sioux Falls!
In the spirit of making your life simpler, I've compiled all of our election resources into one spot right here!
And, just for funsies (as my 3.5-year-old would say), I'm also doing a tote bag giveaway today! Share a photo of you with your "I voted" sticker, or share a post encouraging others to vote. Make sure you tag @sfsimplified on Facebook/Instagram/Twitter, and you'll be entered to win!
What's on the ballot?
There are four open seats on the Sioux Falls City Council.
- Two of those seats are already decided because they were uncontested races, but the two remaining races (At-Large and Northeast District) have three candidates each.
There are two open seats on the five-member Sioux Falls School Board.
- Five people – including one incumbent – are vying for those seats.
Where can I learn about the City Council candidates?
Sioux Falls Simplified sat down with all eight candidates and asked them the same set of questions on a variety of topics related to the city.
Meet each of those candidates here, and learn why they decided to run:
Here's a topic-by-topic look at what candidates had to say about:
- Growth
- Roads
- Childcare
- Housing
- Public Safety
- The Riverline District
- Quality of life investments
- Public Transit
- And final thoughts.
Where can I learn about the school board candidates?
Sioux Falls Simplified sat down with all five candidates and asked them the same set of questions on a variety of topics related to the Sioux Falls School District.
Meet each of those candidates here, and learn why they decided to run:
Here's a topic-by-topic look at what candidates had to say about:
How do I know where to vote?
You have to vote at your designated polling place. Some precincts were changed this year, so don't assume you'll go to the same place you were at for the last election.
- 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 use the city's interactive map to find your precinct, and this precinct map to identify your polling place.
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 March 25. 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 – which won't be long. South Dakota's primary election is June 4, not to mention the presidential election in November.
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?
Nope. You'll have to go find your designated polling place today between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
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.
Have a question that's not answered here?
Reply to this email or text me at 605-545-4565, and I'll do my best to help you find the answer!