South Dakota

Voting Guide.

South Dakota requires photo ID at the polls and registration 15 days before Election Day. In-person absentee voting begins 46 days before Election Day.

Last verified · June 15, 2026

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Key details for your state.

Registration deadline
15 days before Election Day.
Early voting
In-person absentee voting begins 46 days before Election Day at the county auditor's office.
Absentee / mail-in
Apply any time. Ballot must be received by Election Day (in person by 3:00 PM Central / 2:00 PM Mountain on Election Day; mail must arrive before polls close).
ID requirements
Photo ID required, or sign an affidavit if you don't have one.
Election Day hours
Polls open 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM local time (Central or Mountain). If you are in line at 7:00 PM, you can vote.

Extra info:

  • South Dakota does not offer online voter registration — paper form only.
  • Acceptable photo ID includes SD DL/ID, US passport, military ID, tribal ID, or student photo ID from an SD school.
  • Without ID, you can sign an affidavit under oath.

All information on this page comes from the South Dakota Secretary of State's official election website. Confirm details there before voting:

https://sdsos.gov/elections-voting/ ↗