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South Dakota voter registration guide
- Register to vote (online): N/A
- Register to vote (by mail): Received by 15 days before Election Day
- Register to vote (in person): 15 days before Election Day
- If you can't remember if you're registered to vote, or you want to make sure your information is correct, you can check your South Dakota registration using the South Dakota voter registration lookup site.
- If you're not registered to vote, or you need to update your voter registration information, follow the instructions below.
To register in South Dakota you must:
- be a citizen of the United States
- reside in South Dakota
- be 18 years old by Election Day
- not be currently serving a sentence for a felony conviction which included imprisonment, served or suspended, in an adult penitentiary system
- not have been adjudged mentally incompetent by a court
South Dakota does not have online voter registration.
- Download and fill out the National Voter Registration Form.
- Box 6 - ID Number: Any person registering to vote shall provide the person’s valid South Dakota driver license number or a South Dakota nondriver identification number on the voter registration form. If a person does not have a valid South Dakota driver license or a South Dakota nondriver identification number, the person shall provide the last four digits of the person’s Social Security number on the voter registration form. If a person does not have a valid South Dakota driver license, a South Dakota nondriver identification number, or a Social Security number, the person may only register at the county auditor’s Office and shall sign a statement verifying the fact that the person does not have a valid South Dakota driver license, a South Dakota nondriver identification number, or a Social Security number.
- Box 7 - Choice of Party: If you are currently registered to vote and you leave the choice of party field blank, you will remain registered with your current party affiliation. If you are not currently registered to vote and you leave the choice of party field blank, you will be entered as an independent/no party affiliation voter, which is not a political party in South Dakota.
- Box 8 - Race or Ethnic Group: Leave blank.
- Print, date, and sign the form. If you do not have a printer, you can print the form out at any local library. If you do not have a stamp, you can buy one from any grocery store: just ask the cashier to sell you one.
- Mail your voter registration form to the mailing address below. For faster delivery, send the form directly to your local election office.
- Your voter registration form must be received by 15 days before Election Day.
- Contact your local election office to find where to register to vote in person.
- Bring your South Dakota driver's license or state ID card with you. If you don't have one, bring ONE photo ID that shows your name, and ONE document that shows your name and South Dakota address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, residential lease, or any government document that shows your name and address.
South Dakota does not have same day registration.
Voting rights are restored automatically upon completion of prison, parole, probation, and the payment of all fines and fees.
- You cannot vote while incarcerated.
- You cannot vote while on parole.
- You cannot vote while on probation.
- You can vote upon completion of your sentence.
- Financial obligations:
- parole fees
- probation fees
- court fees
- restitution fees
- Please visit Restore Your Vote for additional information.
Local election office
Contact your local election office if you have questions.
Statewide election office
This is the statewide agency that is ultimately responsible for South Dakota elections. You can contact them with questions, but your local election office will probably respond faster.
Secretary of State, Elections Division 500 E. Capitol Pierre, SD 57501‐5070