Voting Rights Guide: South Dakota (SD)
State Voting Guides

Voting Rights Guide: South Dakota (SD)

Skip to main content
< All Topics
Print

Voting Rights Guide: South Dakota (SD)

Posted
Updated
ByPU Publish
0 out of 5 stars
5 Stars 0%
4 Stars 0%
3 Stars 0%
2 Stars 0%
1 Stars 0%

IMPORTANT: Voting laws change frequently. Always verify information with official government sources before acting. This guide was last updated: 2026-07-11. If you find an error, report it immediately.

Jurisdiction Type: State

## Table of Contents

1. Voter Registration

2. Birth Certificates

3. Proof of Citizenship Documents

4. How to Vote

5. Voting Laws & Legal Resources

6. If You Are Denied the Right to Vote

7. Resources & Contacts

Voter Registration

Same-Day Registration: NO — you must register before Election Day.

Registration Deadline: 15 days before Election Day Photo ID Required to Register: No Accepted IDs: South Dakota driver’s license, South Dakota nondriver ID card, U.S. government photo ID, U.S. passport, U.S. Armed Forces ID, Current student photo ID from South Dakota high school or accredited institution, Tribal photo ID

Registration Links

Notes: Photo ID is requested but not required – voters without photo ID can sign a personal identification affidavit and vote a regular ballot. Registration forms must have original signature and cannot be submitted via fax or email.

Birth Certificates

A birth certificate may be needed to prove citizenship or obtain other identity documents.

Issuing Agency: South Dakota Department of Health, Vital Records Fee: $15 for each copy requested Standard Processing Time: 2-3 weeks (standard mail) Expedited Option: Available through online and phone orders with additional expedite fees

How to Request

  • Request Online
  • By Mail: Office of Vital Records, 221 W Capitol Ave, Pierre, SD 57501

Notes: Birth records available from 1905 to present. Must provide proof of identity. Only available to registrant, spouse, children, parents, guardian, next of kin, or authorized representative. $15 fee required by law regardless of whether record is found.

Proof of Citizenship Documents

You may need proof of citizenship to register to vote or to obtain a REAL ID.

Accepted Documents

  • South Dakota driver’s license or non-driver identification card (issued after July 1, 2025, indicating U.S. citizenship)
  • Valid driver’s license or non-driver identification card from any other state or territory (indicating U.S. citizenship)
  • Tribal identification card
  • Birth certificate (legible photocopy acceptable)
  • U.S. passport pages (legible photocopy acceptable)
  • Certificate of Naturalization (legible photocopy acceptable)

How to Obtain Citizenship Proof

For birth certificates, contact the vital records office in the state where you were born. For U.S. passports, apply through the U.S. Department of State with your birth certificate or naturalization certificate, government-issued photo ID, completed DS-11 application, and passport photo. For naturalization certificates, these are issued upon completing the naturalization process through USCIS. For certificates of citizenship, apply through USCIS if you became a citizen through parents or other circumstances.

For US Citizens Abroad

U.S. citizens abroad can apply for passports at U.S. consulates or embassies, which serve as proof of citizenship. Contact the nearest U.S. consular office for specific requirements and procedures.

Notes: New law effective March 26, 2026 (SB 175) requires proof of citizenship for first-time voter registration. South Dakota driver’s licenses issued after July 1, 2025 now indicate citizenship status. Some documents can be submitted as photocopies with voter registration applications, while others must be shown in person to county auditors. Without proof of citizenship, voters are registered as ‘federal only’ and cannot vote in state/local elections.

How to Vote

Voting in Person

Photo ID Required: Yes Accepted IDs: South Dakota driver’s license or nondriver ID card, U.S. government photo ID, U.S. passport Polls Open: verify Find Your Polling Place

Step-by-Step Guide:

  1. Step 1: Bring valid photo ID to your assigned polling place
  2. Step 2: Check in with poll workers and show ID
  3. Step 3: Receive your ballot
  4. Step 4: Mark your ballot
  5. Step 5: Return completed ballot to poll workers

Voting by Mail

Mail voting is available — no excuse required. Application Deadline: 5:00 p.m. the day before election (received by county auditor) Ballot Return Deadline: 7:00 p.m. on Election Day (received by county auditor) Request Mail Ballot

Step-by-Step Guide:

  1. Step 1: Request absentee ballot from your county auditor by the deadline
  2. Step 2: Complete the ballot when received
  3. Step 3: Return ballot by mail or in person by 7:00 p.m. on Election Day

Voting by Absentee Ballot

Excuse Required: No Application Deadline: 5:00 p.m. the day before election Absentee Ballot Application

Step-by-Step Guide:

  1. Step 1: Submit absentee ballot application to your county auditor
  2. Step 2: Complete ballot when received
  3. Step 3: Return completed ballot by 7:00 p.m. on Election Day

Early Voting

Early voting is available. Begins: 46 days before Election Day Find Early Voting Locations

Step-by-Step Guide:

  1. Step 1: Visit your county auditor’s office during the early voting period
  2. Step 2: Show valid photo ID
  3. Step 3: Complete your ballot
  4. Step 4: Submit completed ballot

Voting Laws & Legal Resources

South Dakota requires voters to present photo identification when voting. Acceptable forms include South Dakota driver’s license or nondriver ID card, U.S. government photo ID, U.S. passport, U.S. Armed Forces ID, current student photo ID from a South Dakota high school or accredited institution, and tribal photo ID. Voters without photo ID can sign a personal identification affidavit under penalty of perjury and receive a regular ballot. For absentee voting, voters must provide a copy of their photo ID with their application or have it notarized. South Dakota also allows early voting and requires photo ID for that process as well. All registered South Dakota voters may apply for an absentee ballot and vote by mail.

Recent Law Changes

  • 2026: Senate Bill 175 requires proof of citizenship when registering to vote, effective March 26, 2026
  • Impact: New voters must provide documented proof of citizenship such as birth certificate, passport, or other approved documents to register
  • 2026: Municipal and school elections must be held during either June Primary or November General Election
  • Impact: Consolidates local elections with major election dates, voters should check with their municipality for specific timing
  • 2026: Strengthened chain-of-custody requirements for ballots and prohibition of faithless electors in presidential elections
  • Impact: Enhanced ballot security and ensures presidential electors vote according to state results

Voting Rights Law Firms

If You Are Denied the Right to Vote

Know your rights. You have the right to vote if you are eligible. If denied, do NOT leave — ask for a provisional ballot.

Denied Enroute to the Polling Place

  1. Step 1: Call 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683) for immediate assistance
  2. Step 2: Document what happened – take notes or photos if safe to do so
  3. Step 3: Contact South Dakota Secretary of State office at (605) 773-3537
  4. Step 4: If transportation issues, ask about mobile voting options or assistance getting to polls

Resources:

Emergency Contacts:

  • Election Protection Hotline 866-687-8683 — For any voting issues or questions
  • SD Secretary of State 605-773-3537 — For state election issues

Denied at the Polling Place

  1. Step 1: Ask for provisional ballot if denied regular ballot
  2. Step 2: Complete affirmation for provisional ballot as required
  3. Step 3: If challenged on residency or registration, present evidence of eligibility
  4. Step 4: Call 866-OUR-VOTE while at polls for assistance
  5. Step 5: If no photo ID, sign personal identification affidavit to vote regular ballot
  6. Step 6: Document the incident and get names of poll workers involved

Provisional Ballot: In South Dakota, you may cast a provisional ballot if you are not authorized to vote, are successfully challenged, or are otherwise denied but maintain you are registered in that precinct. You must complete an affirmation for the provisional ballot.

Resources:

Emergency Contacts:

  • Election Protection Hotline 866-687-8683 — Immediate voting assistance
  • API Vote Hotline 888-274-8683 — Multilingual assistance available
  • SD Secretary of State 605-773-3537 — State election authority

Mail Ballot Denied or Not Received

  1. Step 1: Contact your county election official immediately
  2. Step 2: Call South Dakota Secretary of State at (605) 773-3537
  3. Step 3: Ask about options to vote in person instead
  4. Step 4: Document the denial and request written explanation

Resources:

Emergency Contacts:

  • SD Secretary of State 605-773-3537 — State election authority
  • Election Protection Hotline 866-687-8683 — For voting rights assistance

Absentee Ballot Denied

  1. Step 1: Contact your county election official to understand reason for denial
  2. Step 2: Call South Dakota Secretary of State at (605) 773-3537
  3. Step 3: If first-time voter, verify special requirements for absentee voting
  4. Step 4: Plan to vote in person as backup option
  5. Step 5: Document the denial for potential legal challenge

Resources:

Emergency Contacts:

  • SD Secretary of State 605-773-3537 — State absentee voting authority
  • Election Protection Hotline 866-687-8683 — For voting assistance

Denied During Early Voting

  1. Step 1: Verify early voting is available in your county
  2. Step 2: Contact county election official for explanation
  3. Step 3: Call South Dakota Secretary of State at (605) 773-3537
  4. Step 4: Plan for Election Day voting as backup

Resources:

Emergency Contacts:

  • SD Secretary of State 605-773-3537 — State election authority
  • Election Protection Hotline 866-687-8683 — For voting questions

Resources & Contacts

Official State Resources

National Voting Rights Resources

News Organizations to Contact

Social Media Contacts

  • Facebook: @866OurVote (advocacy)

Sources

This guide was compiled from the following sources:

  • https://vote.gov/
  • https://www.fvap.gov/
  • https://sdsos.gov/elections-voting/
  • https://www.ncsl.org/elections-and-campaigns/voter-id
  • https://www.ncsl.org/elections-and-campaigns/absentee-and-early-voting
  • https://866ourvote.org/
  • https://ballotpedia.org/Voting_in_South_Dakota
  • https://sdsos.gov/elections-voting/upcoming-elections/general-information/default.aspx
  • https://sdsos.gov/elections-voting/voting/default.aspx
  • https://sdsos.gov/elections-voting/voting/register-to-vote/default.aspx
  • https://www.rockthevote.org/how-to-vote/south-dakota
  • https://ballotpedia.org/Election_policy_in_South_Dakota
  • https://doh.sd.gov/licensing-and-records/vital-records
  • https://www.minnehahacounty.gov/dept/rd/vital_records/vital_records.php
  • https://docs.pennco.org/docs/RD/BirthRecord.pdf
  • https://www.vitalchek.com/v/birth-certificates/south-dakota/south-dakota-vital-records
  • https://schoolhouseconnection.org/article/how-to-obtain-a-free-birth-certificate-or-id-in-south-dakota-instructions-and-the-law
  • https://www.usbirthcertificates.com/south-dakota
  • https://ballotpedia.org/Proof_of_citizenship_requirements_for_voter_registration_by_state
  • https://sdsos.gov/elections-voting/voting/register-to-vote/voter-registration-drive-instructions.aspx

Last Updated: 2026-07-11 | Generated by Patriot Agent Voting Rights Knowledge Base

Verify all information with official government sources before acting.

Was this article helpful?
0 out of 5 stars
5 Stars 0%
4 Stars 0%
3 Stars 0%
2 Stars 0%
1 Stars 0%
5
Please Share Your Feedback
How Can We Improve This Article?
Table of Contents

Related Articles