Your guide to today's Sioux Falls School Board election

Megan Raposa -

Happy Tuesday! Megan here.

Today's the day to vote in the 2025 Sioux Falls School Board election.

What's on the ballot?

Four names, and you get to pick two of them. You can view a sample ballot here.

  • Two seats are open on the five-member Sioux Falls School Board as the terms expire for sitting board members Carly Reiter (who isn't seeking re-election) and Nan Kelly (who is).

The four candidates are (in ballot order):

  • Elizabeth Duffy, a 42-year-old attorney,
  • Trish Ringold, a 47-year-old lead toddler teacher at Abiding Savior Academy,
  • Nan Kelly, a 50-year-old incumbent who works in business development,
  • and Thomas Werner, a 49-year-old healthcare worker and martial arts instructor.

Where can I learn more about the candidates?

Oh friend, you know I've got you covered.

You can learn more here about why the candidates chose to run and their top priorities:

Meet the candidates for Sioux Falls School Board
Four people are vying for two open seats overseeing the largest school district in the state.
Sioux Falls SimplifiedMegan Raposa

Sioux Falls Simplified also asked each candidate several questions about how they feel about everything from supporting teachers to book bans to the push to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education.

You can find those answers here:

How school board candidates feel about book bans and the dismantling of the U.S. Dept. of Education
Four people are vying for two open seats on the Sioux Falls School Board. Sioux Falls Simplified sat down with each of them and asked a slate of questions related to various issues relevant to public schools.
Sioux Falls SimplifiedMegan Raposa
School board candidates talk after-school care, workforce, supporting teachers
We’re less than a week away from the Sioux Falls School Board election, and Sioux Falls Simplified sat down with each of the four candidates to talk about a variety of issues to help you feel prepared to cast a ballot.
Sioux Falls SimplifiedMegan Raposa

Where do I vote?

First, make sure you live within the Sioux Falls School District boundaries – there's a map here.

Then, if yes, you can vote at any of the 13 voting centers throughout the city.

  • You do not have a designated polling place in this election, unlike other local elections. You can stop in and vote at any of the voting spots that is most convenient for you.

Find a list of voting centers here.

When do I vote?

Polls are open today, Tuesday, May 13, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

What do I need to have with me in order to vote?

Nothing – but the process will go quicker for you if you have your ID.

If you don't have an ID, you can still vote. You'll just have to sign an affidavit saying that you're you.

Can I mail in an absentee ballot?

Nope. Not anymore. Missed the boat on that one, but chances are there's an in-person voting center pretty close to you.

What if I'm not registered to vote?

You're out of luck this time. South Dakota doesn't allow same-day voter registration.

What if I have to work?

Per South Dakota law, your employer has to allow you paid time off work for up to two consecutive hours to go cast a ballot.

  • For what it's worth, you'll likely be able to get in and out within a few minutes. Maybe even in less than a minute – depends on how quickly you can check two boxes.

I have a question that isn't answered here.

Reply to this email or text me at 605-545-4565, and I'll do my best to help you find the answer.