Happy Monday! Megan here.

TODAY is the last day to register to vote if you want to be eligible to vote in the June 2 primary election.

Why it matters

  • Every registered voter in the Sioux Falls area has something to decide on the ballot June 2. That includes you (or, can still include you, if you check your voter registration and get signed up before 5 p.m. today).
  • Often, only registered Republicans have any choices to make in the state's primary elections. But this year, it's different because both partisan statewide races and nonpartisan local races are on the same ballot.
  • Those nonpartisan races include electing a new mayor of Sioux Falls, four City Council members and three Sioux Falls School Board members. So, your vote impacts basically every facet of local government in our community.
    • It's not exaggerating to say this is a BIG deal of an election.

How do I know I'm eligible to register to vote?

In order to register to vote in South Dakota, you must fit the following criteria:

  • Be a United States citizen,
  • Live in South Dakota,
  • Be at least 18 years old,
  • Not be currently serving a sentence for a felony conviction,
  • Not be judged mentally incompetent by a court of law.

It's worth noting that if you have previously been convicted of a felony but your sentence has been fully served, you are again eligible to register to vote. More on the specific legalese here.

What about the new proof-of-citizenship law?

Oh yeah, extremely important question.

During the 2026 legislative session, state lawmakers voted to require proof of citizenship.

  • Examples of accepted documentation include a drivers license issued after July 1, 2025, a tribal ID card or a photocopy of a passport or birth certificate. You can find a full list on the Secretary of State's website.

This only applies to people registering to vote for the first time. So, if you moved to a new house and just need to update your address, you should be able to do so without needing to bring a birth certificate, passport, etc.

How do I register?

You have to register with this paper form.

  • The first step is figuring out which county you live in. As a general rule, if you're in Sioux Falls and live north of 57th Street, you're likely in Minnehaha County. South of 57th Street, you're likely in Lincoln County.
  • Then, fill out the form, and mail or deliver it to the county auditor in your county. (and if you're doing this for the first time today, you'll want to deliver it in-person – even if it means driving down to Canton).
    • The address for Minnehaha County is 415 N. Dakota Ave., Sioux Falls, SD, 57104.
    • The address for Lincoln County is 104 N. Main, Suite 110, Canton, SD 57013.
    • Find addresses for other South Dakota counties here.

Are there other places to register?

Yes. BUT, if you're waiting until the last second (i.e. today) to register, your best bet is to go to your county auditor's office directly.

You can also register when you're renewing your driver's license or at any DMV location, as well as:

  • The city finance office,
  • Public assistance agencies – i.e. places where you'd go to get connected with food stamps or other federal assistance programs,
  • Military recruitment offices,
  • Department of Human Services offices,
  • and various registration drives hosted by local agencies leading up to election day.

If you have any questions, your best bet is to call the county auditor's office. In Minnehaha County, that number is 605-367-4220, and in Lincoln County, you can call 605-764-2581.

What if I'm registered elsewhere in the city, state or in another state, but I've moved?

You'll need to update your voter registration.

To do that, it's the exact same process as above.

Can I register online?

No, you have to fill out the paper forms and mail them in or deliver them in-person.

I have a question that isn't answered here.

Email me at megan@sfsimplified.com, and I'll do my best to help connect you with the information you need.