How to Vote Absentee in South Dakota

Neighbor,

Starting this Friday, September 18, you can vote in the November 3 election without waiting for November 3. South Dakota's absentee window is long, generous, and easier than most people think. Here is the whole process, in plain language.

Step one: get the application

The absentee ballot application is a one-page form from the Secretary of State's website, sdsos.gov. You can also pick one up from the Pennington County Auditor's office. Print it or grab it, fill in your information, and note the ID requirement: attach a photocopy of an accepted photo ID, or have your signature on the application notarized. One or the other, or the application bounces.

Step two: send it to the county auditor

The completed application goes to the county auditor where you are registered, which for most of District 32 means the Pennington County Auditor, and you can either mail it or walk it in during business hours. The auditor then mails your actual ballot to the address you listed.

Step three: vote at your kitchen table

This is the best part. You vote at home, on your schedule, with zac4sd.com and your sample ballot open in front of you. No line, no rush, no trying to remember what SJR 504 was while people wait behind you. Follow the instructions that come with the ballot exactly, especially the envelope and signature steps. A perfect ballot in the wrong envelope does not count.

Step four: get it back in time

Your ballot must reach the auditor by Election Day. Do not test the mail in the final week. If it is getting close, hand-deliver it to the auditor's office.

Prefer doing it in person?

You can also vote absentee in person at the county auditor's office, right up until the day before the election. Walk in during business hours, show your ID, vote, done. It is the closest thing South Dakota has to early voting, and hardly anyone uses it. There is never a line.

One more thing before any of this works

You must be registered by Monday, October 19. If you have moved, changed your name, or never registered, handle that first at sdsos.gov. It takes five minutes and closes with no exceptions.

When you reach the State House section for District 32, remember: you get two votes. I am respectfully asking for one of them.

Strong Families. Strong South Dakota.

Zac