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You must send a copy your South Dakota photo ID with your absentee ballot application. Check our South Dakota Voter ID Laws page for a list of acceptable forms of ID. If you can't get a copy of an acceptable form of photo ID, then you must have your absentee ballot application signed and notarized.

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COVID-19 info

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in South Dakota, South Dakota Department of Health

South Dakota absentee ballot deadlines

Request deadlines

  • In Person: 1 day before Election Day, but we recommend applying at least 7 days before Election Day.
  • By Mail: Received 1 day before Election Day, but we recommend applying at least 7 days before Election Day.
  • Online: N/A

Ballot deadlines

  • Voted ballots are due: Received by Election Day.

South Dakota absentee ballot rules

Any registered South Dakota voter may apply for an absentee ballot and vote by mail.

South Dakota absentee ballot directions

  1. Use our Absentee Ballot Tool to prepare your application.
  2. Sign and date the form. This is very important!
  3. Return your completed application to your Local Election Office as soon as possible. We'll provide the mailing address for you.
  4. All Local Election Offices will accept mailed or hand-delivered forms. Your application must actually arrive by this time -- simply being postmarked by the deadline is insufficient.
  5. State law requires completed absentee ballot applications to be notarized or include a photocopy of an acceptable photo identification card. Please contact your Local Election Office if you have any further questions about the exact process.

Tracking your ballot

You can track your ballot directly with your state.

Once you receive your ballot...

  1. Once you receive the ballot, carefully read and follow the instructions.
  2. Sign and date where indicated.
  3. Mail your voted ballot back to the address indicated on the return envelope. You can also deliver your absentee ballot in-person to another location designated by your county official.
  4. Double-check the deadlines and be sure to return your voted ballot on time to be sure it is counted.

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