Happy Tuesday! Megan here.

It's (once again) election day in Sioux Falls – and while SF Simplified tends to leave state politics to the statewide news outlets – I wanted to make sure voters have the information they need to participate in some very, very important decisions happening today.

So, without further ado, here's what you need to know about the Republican governor nomination run-off.

What are we voting on and why?

Republicans are voting to decide who they'll send to face democratic gubernatorial candidate Dan Ahlers in the November general election. The decision today is between incumbent Gov. Larry Rhoden and challenger Toby Doeden.

None of the four Republican candidates in the governor's race clinched the 35% threshold to earn the primary nomination – which means the top two vote-getters, Rhoden and Doeden, face off in today's run-off.

  • This is the first time in state history that a Republican primary in the governor's race has gone to a run-off.

You can learn more about the candidates below, thanks to our friends at South Dakota Searchlight:

Can I vote today?

Only registered Republicans in the state are able to vote in Republican primary elections (including this first-of-its-kind run-off).

  • But, about 7,350 of folks throughout the state joined the Republican party in the last couple months to be able to vote today, according to reporting from South Dakota Searchlight.

What if I'm not registered to vote?

You're out of luck this time.

South Dakota doesn't allow same-day voting, and the registration deadline was July 13. 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 or mail in my ballot?

Nope. You'll have to go find your designated polling place today between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Tuesday.

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?

They'll all be listed on the South Dakota Secretary of State's website.

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!