Happy Friday! Megan here.
Weather check: Feelin' hot, hot, hot
✅ICYMI: We have a new mayor!
Megan Raposa
This week, you've heard from me a lot, so I'm keeping it a little shorter today. But I had so many observations during the recount process that I think you guys will be interested in. It was particularly illuminating to me to see all of the reasons why a vote was thrown out, so I'm sharing a run-down of all of the ways a ballot can be rejected. Plus, catch some Super Simplified Stories, and be sure to drink lots of water this weekend.
And now, news:
2026 CITY ELECTION
Why your vote might've been thrown out in the mayoral election
Simplified: Hundreds of ballots that were cast in the mayoral election were not counted. Most of those were received too late in the absentee process, but there were a slew of other reasons why a voter's ballot might go uncounted. Here's what we learned in the recount process and how you as a voter can be more vigilant moving forward to make sure your vote counts.
Why it matters
- Voting is, famously, important. It's one of the most direct ways you can influence who leads our community, and it's a keystone of the democratic process. So, yeah, it matters.
- This year's tight mayoral race has shown many cracks in the election system where a voter's ballot can go uncounted – even with the best intentions on all sides.
- For example, 29 ballots cast on election day were thrown out because they were unstamped – meaning a precinct worker neglected to stamp the ballot before handing it to the voter. In an election where four votes wins it, those votes could've changed the outcome.
Why would a vote not be counted?
SIMPLIFIED PRESENTS
How Barre3 has helped Sioux Falls feel balanced for a decade
This is a sponsored piece from Barre3 Sioux Falls.
Simplified: Barre3 Sioux Falls is celebrating a decade in business this month, and as they hit this milestone, members are reflecting on what the years of fitness focused on being balanced in body and mind has meant to them.
Why it matters
- The Barre3 franchise opened in Sioux Falls in 2016 with the goal of bringing fitness that helps people feel balanced in body and empowered from within. Ten years later, it's clear their community has staying power.
- To celebrate 10 years in business, Barre3 Sioux Falls is hosting free classes from July 15-24 leading up to a big celebration on July 25, where they'll have two morning classes, make and take floral bouquets from Hive & Co., permanent jewelry with Adorn and the Lattes on the Loose coffee truck.
- For member Kay Smorawski, Barre3 is more than a workout – it's a safe space, a community, a judgement-free zone and a place where she can "be authentically me."
"Both mentally and physically, Barre3 has provided self confidence," Smorawski said. "It’s given me the philosophy that I really can tackle hard things. It has helped me love myself, and I now get to take that and teach that to my daughters."
Tell me more
TL;DR
Super Simplified Stories
- Police launch 'Blue Envelope Program.' The Sioux Falls Police Department is teaming up with the Minnehaha County Sheriff's Office and the Center for Disabilities at USD to launch the Blue Envelope Program. The intent of the program is to help autistic individuals and those with communication differences more easily communicate during interactions with law enforcement.
- How it works: Folks can get a blue document holder to hold a driver's license, proof of insurance, vehicle registration and any documents with things like an emergency contact and communication preferences. Officers are trained to recognize the envelope and adjust communication as needed. The envelope does not change legal requirements, and drivers still must follow lawful instructions and comply with officer directions, according to a news release from the city.
- Residents with autism spectrum disorder can obtain a blue envelope at no cost at the Center for Disabilities, 1400 W. 22nd St., Sioux Falls, or the Law Enforcement Center, 320 W. Fourth St., Sioux Falls.
- Hot Summer Nites is back downtown. Ok, car people, this one's for you. Hot Summer Nites is back downtown with corvettes, live music and family fun. It's all going down Wednesday, July 15 at 8th and Railroad. Get the details here.
THIS AND THAT
What I'm falling for this week:
ICYMI
More Simplified Stories
Megan Raposa
Megan Raposa
Megan Raposa
WANT TO HELP MORE PEOPLE FEEL THIS SMART?
Support Sioux Falls Simplified
Here are a few ways to ensure this smarter, easier local news outlet is here to stay:
- Forward this to a friend. Sharing is caring, and the best gifts are the ones that make your life easier – like this smarter, easier local news.
- Become a member. Consider buying into a smarter Sioux Falls by becoming a member and offering financial support to the no B.S. journalism you've been reading here.
- Give a one-time gift. Not ready to commit to a membership? That's OK! If you want to help in a smaller way, you can give a one-time gift here.
- Advertise with us. Tell the "simplified" story of your business to your target audience. Want more info? Reach out to megan@sfsimplified.com.
Thank you
Thank you to Sioux Falls Simplified sponsors, including SafeSplash Swim School, Wayne & Mary's Nutrition Center, Startup Sioux Falls, Encompass Mental Health, the Sioux Falls YMCA, EmBe, the Sioux Falls Development Foundation, Barre3 Sioux Falls, the Sioux Falls Zoo and Aquarium, the Washington Pavilion, The Premiere Playhouse, The Good Night Theatre Collective and the Sioux Metro Growth Alliance. When you support them, you're also supporting Sioux Falls Simplified.
Oh, by the way
Your feedback is extremely helpful – hit the reply button and send any news tips, typos, complaints, compliments or cups of coffee my way. ❤️
