Happy Election Day! Megan here.
We've been preparing for this! You've read the emails – you've met the candidates – and now (booming announcer voice) LET'S GET READY TO RUMBLE!
That's right folks, the moment we've all been waiting for: It's ✨election day✨!
So, here's my last bit of guidance for you before you head to the polls.
✨drumroll✨
How to survive Election Day with Sioux Falls Simplified
Step one: Find your sample ballot and polling place.
You can do this by going to the Secretary of State's website and clicking on the VIP (voter information portal). Enter your info in the voter registration name search, and it'll pull up all of your info. It'll look something like this (my personal details redacted):
- All you have to do is scroll down a teensy bit further and it'll show you your exact polling place.
- Click your Sample Ballot, and you can check out what races you'll get to decide on.
- It's especially important to double-check your sample ballot because there are lots of different ballot variations depending on your party affiliation, school district, county, and city.
Step two: Research the candidates and issues
Many of you have done this part already, but if you're a procrastinator like me, fear not! I've got the simplified guide to all of the municipal candidates, as well as school board candidates in both Harrisburg and Sioux Falls.
Megan Raposa
- If you're registered as a Republican, you'll also have a number of primary contests to decide, including the governor's race, U.S. House and Senate races and several state legislative races.
- Find more details on those statewide races from our friends at SD News Watch and South Dakota Searchlight.
- There are also county-level races. The Dakota Scout has a look at the Lincoln County races, and Keloland has stuff on the Minnehaha County races.
- (Sorry I don't have more on the county-level stuff--I simply couldn't do anything more with the bandwidth I have.)
Step three: Get your cute little butt to the polling place and VOTE!
You've got this. I believe in you!
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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, and the registration deadline was May 18. 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):
- A South Dakota driver's license or nondriver identification card;
- A passport or an identification card, including a picture, issued by an agency of the United States government;
- A tribal identification card, including a picture; or
- 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 a 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.
You can also follow along with me on social media @sfsimplified. I'll do my best to share updates as I'm able! Or, catch the "simplified" version of the results in Wednesday morning's newsletter.
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!
