Simplified: Ready for round two?? The city run-off election is happening Tuesday, June 23. Here's your Run-Off Election Day Survival Guide™ (just kidding, it's not trademarked).

Why it matters

  • This is the election that'll determine who leads Sioux Falls for the next four (or, if they seek a second term, possibly eight) years. That includes the mayor and three of eight seats on the City Council – all of whom will be new faces to their respective roles in city government.
  • Historically, municipal elections have a pretty low turnout in Sioux Falls. The June 2 election lined up with the statewide primary election, but this run-off is a standalone election, meaning it'll likely be fewer people ultimately deciding who leads this community. (That is, unless all of you guys go vote, which you obviously will, right?)
  • This guide will introduce you to the remaining candidates in the mayoral and City Council races, and it'll also provide some answers to frequently asked election questions.

First, meet the candidates

In the mayor's race, a field of five has been narrowed down to two. Christine Erickson and Jamie Smith are both hoping to snag the mayor's seat. Both candidates sat down with Sioux Falls Simplified, the Sioux Falls League of Women Voters, Sioux Falls Live and The Dakota Scout for a televised debate.

You can watch a replay of the debate and find a written summary of candidate responses here:

Your guide to the mayoral run-off candidates
And then there were two. Jamie Smith and Christine Erickson are the two remaining candidates in the Sioux Falls mayoral race, rising to the top of a crowded field in the fight to fill Mayor Paul TenHaken’s seat.
Sioux Falls SimplifiedMegan Raposa

The other race that'll be on every single ballot is the At-Large A City Council seat. Three candidates initially sought the seat, and when none clinched 50% of the vote, the top two advanced to the run-off.

  • James Oppenheimer and Vince Danh both sat down with Sioux Falls Simplified to share a fresh perspective on a variety of pressing issues. Here's a summary of those conversations:
Your guide to the At-Large A City Council run-off candidates
James Oppenheimer and Vince Danh are both vying to represent Sioux Falls in the At-Large A seat on the City Council.
Sioux Falls SimplifiedMegan Raposa

Is that it?

For a lot of you, yes.

But, if you live in central or southeast Sioux Falls, you've got to pick your next City Council member, too.

In the Central District, two candidates emerged from a crowded field: Zak Okuwe and Zach DeBoer.

  • Both men shared their thoughts on a variety of issues with Sioux Falls Simplified. Find a summary of those conversations here:
Your guide to Central District City Council run-off candidates
From a field of five candidates, only the Zach(k)s remain in the race to represent the central district on the Sioux Falls City Council. Both Zak Okuwe and Zach DeBoer sat down with Sioux Falls Simplified ahead of the June 23 run-off election to talk about a variety of policy topics.
Sioux Falls SimplifiedMegan Raposa

In the Southeast District, Sara Pankonin and Mike Crane beat out Brady Kerkman to make it to the run-off election.

  • Pankonin and Crane both chatted with Sioux Falls Simplified ahead of the run-off. Here's more:
Your guide to Southeast District City Council run-off candidates
Two candidates remain in the race to represent southeastern Sioux Falls on the City Council. Mike Crane and Sara Pankonin sat down with Sioux Falls Simplified to talk about their campaigns.
Sioux Falls SimplifiedMegan Raposa

When can I vote?

Election Day is June 23, and polls will be open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Where do I vote?

You'll vote at the same place you voted on June 2, so if this is your "second rodeo" – you know what to do.

If you didn't vote the first time around and want to now – no problem (and good for you!). You'll just want to log in to the Secretary of State's Voter Information Portal to find your precinct.

Frequently asked questions

What if I'm not registered to vote?

You're out of luck this time.

South Dakota doesn't allow same-day voting. BUT, if you're not registered to vote, it's still worth registering now so you know you're all set next time a big election rolls around – which won't be long. South Dakota's general election (where we'll pick the next governor, among other things) is in November.

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. It's kind of a whole thing, so if you have an ID, it's best to just bring it with ya.

Here's a full list of acceptable forms of ID (source: Secretary of State's website):

  1. A South Dakota driver's license or nondriver identification card;
  2. A passport or an identification card, including a picture, issued by an agency of the United States government;
  3. A tribal identification card, including a picture; or
  4. A current student identification card, including a picture, issued by a high school or an accredited institution of higher education, including a university, college, or technical school, located within the State of South Dakota.

Can I still vote absentee?

In-person absentee voting is available 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, June 20 and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, June 22 at both the Lincoln and Minnehaha County administration buildings.

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 of your precinct within a few minutes.

Where can I find election results?

Results will be shared on the city website, or, if you don't wanna stay up late, you can catch the recap in Sioux Falls Simplified the following morning.

I have a question that's not 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!