The 2024 Election season is in full force. Some important dates are coming up over the next few weeks:

Mark Your Calendar: Key Info For 2024 South Dakota Election:

Election day is Tuesday, November 5, 2024.
South Dakota Early/Absentee voting begins September 20, 2024.
South Dakota Voter Registration Deadline is October 21, 2024.

NEED TO KNOW: Can People Find Out Whom I Voted For? And Other Voting FAQs

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When Does Early/In-Person Voting Start in South Dakota?

In South Dakota, we can vote early at your County Auditor's office starting on September 20, until 5:00 PM the day before the election (Nov 4).

In Sioux Falls the place to vote early is the office right across the hall from where you do car registration stuff near the Minnehaha County courthouse. Lincoln County's office is in Canton (104 N Main, Ste 110). Bring your ID.

List Of South Dakota County Auditor's offices, HERE

"Registered voters can vote in-person once Absentee Voting begins at their County Auditor's office by bringing along a valid photo identification card (ID). If a voter does not have a photo ID, they must be given the option to sign a personal identification affidavit and vote a regular ballot." - State of South Dakota

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NEED TO KNOW: What’s the Voter Registration Deadline for the 2024 General Election?

To vote in South Dakota you need to be registered. Now is a great time to do it. Here are official links and information from the State of South Dakota on how to register to vote. Remember: The South Dakota Voter Registration Deadline is October 21, 2024.

Double-check your registration info and find your election day polling place HERE.

<p>Any voter registered in South Dakota can vote before Election Day with an in-person absentee ballot.</p><p> </p>

Bring one of the following with you when you vote early or on Election Day:

A South Dakota driver’s license
A South Dakota non-driver ID card
A US government photo ID card
A US Armed Forces ID card
A current student photo ID card from a South Dakota high school
A current student photo ID card from an accredited college, university, or post-secondary institution of higher education
A photo ID card from a federally recognized tribal government

If you don’t have any of these, you can fill out an affidavit confirming your identity and still be allowed to vote

Here's information about absentee voting if you are a military or overseas citizen.

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Answers to Some Frequently Asked Questions About Voting.

Where Do I Vote on Election Day?

Find your polling place, the place you cast your ballot, in South Dakota HERE,

Do I have to vote in every race or ballot question?

No. Leave it blank when you don't feel informed enough to make a decision. For example, some voters only want to vote for president and vice president. The races and public measures you choose to vote on will be counted and the races and public measures you do not vote on will not be counted.

As long as you mark your choice according to the instructions, all the votes you do make WILL be counted, your ballot WILL be valid even if you skip some parts.

How long may I stay in the polling booth?

There is no time limit. If you need to take your time reading and thinking, please do.

What if I make a mistake on my ballot?

You may request another paper ballot.

Will I still be able to vote if I am in line past 7:00 PM on Election Day?

Yes. Voters who are in line at their polling location by 7:00 PM are allowed to vote no matter how long it takes for each person to cast a ballot.

Can Someone Help Me Vote?

If you need some help because you are disabled or cannot read the ballot, federal law allows you to have a friend or relative assist you in the voting booth. Elections employees at the polling place can also help you.

My vote doesn't matter in this state, because it'll for sure go for (certain politician).

You don't know that. It's always worth casting your vote. Each of us cannot know the minds of the other voters.

Even if you're on the side of any issue or race that gets fewer votes, a close vote count (like 51%-49%) is an important message to send to the local, state, and national governments.

Will the Election Day Change or Be Moved?

No. No matter what a mailing, a phone call, a Facebook post, or what anyone says; election days do not normally move. If a disaster or national emergency forces the movement of an election day you will hear about it from every legitimate news source and local government officials.

Article 2 of the Constitution directs the Congress of the United States to set election day. In the 1800s Congress set it as the first Tuesday after the First Monday in November.

Can People Approach Me, Talk To Me, Bother Me, Or Try To Make Me Vote A Certain Way At The Polling Place?

No. It is against the law in South Dakota to campaign at a polling place, interfere with a voter, or try to shame or encourage anyone to vote a certain way.

Take a few minutes now to make sure you are still on the voter registration rolls and that all your info is up to date; do that here as soon as possible.

LOOK: 50 essential civil rights speeches

Many of the speakers had a lifetime commitment to human rights, but one tried to silence an activist lobbying for voting rights, before later signing off on major civil rights legislation. Several fought for freedom for more than one oppressed group.

How to Vote Early in South Dakota