2026 South Dakota Elections

Key dates

State & Federal Elections

Early voting, mail ballot, and registration deadlines below are calculated from South Dakota's standing rules for each election date. Always confirm with your county election office.

1. Tuesday, June 2, 2026 · Primary Election · CompletedShow detailsHide details▾

   In-person early voting

   April 17, 2026 – June 1, 2026

   In-person absentee voting begins 46 days before the election at the county auditor's office and continues through 3pm (or 5pm in some counties) the day before Election Day.

   Registration & mail ballot deadlines (3)▾

   Voter registration deadline

   May 18, 2026

   Voter registration closes 15 days before the election; South Dakota does not offer same-day registration.

   Mail ballot request (no excuse needed)

   June 1, 2026

   Any voter may request a no-excuse absentee ballot, with mailed applications generally needing to arrive before the day before the election.

   Mail ballot return

   Must be received by June 2, 2026

   Absentee ballots must be received by the county auditor before the polls close on Election Day.

2. Tuesday, July 28, 2026 · Primary Runoff · CompletedShow detailsHide details▾

   If required

   In-person early voting

   June 12, 2026 – July 27, 2026

   In-person absentee voting begins 46 days before the election at the county auditor's office and continues through 3pm (or 5pm in some counties) the day before Election Day.

   Registration & mail ballot deadlines (3)▾

   Voter registration deadline

   July 13, 2026

   Voter registration closes 15 days before the election; South Dakota does not offer same-day registration.

   Mail ballot request (no excuse needed)

   July 27, 2026

   Any voter may request a no-excuse absentee ballot, with mailed applications generally needing to arrive before the day before the election.

   Mail ballot return

   Must be received by July 28, 2026

   Absentee ballots must be received by the county auditor before the polls close on Election Day.

3. 22 days away

   General Election

   NOV03

   2026Tuesday

   In-person early voting

   September 18, 2026 – November 2, 2026

   In-person absentee voting begins 46 days before the election at the county auditor's office and continues through 3pm (or 5pm in some counties) the day before Election Day.

   Registration & mail ballot deadlines (3)▾

   Voter registration deadline

   October 19, 2026

   Voter registration closes 15 days before the election; South Dakota does not offer same-day registration.

   Mail ballot request (no excuse needed)

   November 2, 2026

   Any voter may request a no-excuse absentee ballot, with mailed applications generally needing to arrive before the day before the election.

   Mail ballot return

   Must be received by November 3, 2026

   Absentee ballots must be received by the county auditor before the polls close on Election Day.

By jurisdiction

Local Elections

Local election dates vary by jurisdiction. Find local election information through your South Dakota elections office.

Get ready to vote

Voter Tools

Boots on the ground

South Dakota Family Policy Council

Know the platforms

National Party & Platform Info