South Dakota’s primary election is less than three weeks away (June 7, 2022). Those overseeing the process, as well as groups educating voters, hope residents are taking steps to be ready to cast their ballot.
South Dakota Secretary of State Steve Barnett says this midterm election will feel pretty normal, and not like the 2020 vote where absentee ballots played a big role because of the pandemic. COVID-19 cases are still present, but Barnett says the current situation shouldn’t limit the number of polling locations or poll workers.
“Teachers and folks, maybe college students, we kind of tapped into a new base of Election Day workers And so, I think you’ve got more of an applicant pool for Election Day.”
Barnett says absentee voting is a viable option. Completed absentee ballots must be received by your county auditor no later than Election Day.
On the June 7 ballot is a proposed constitutional amendment to raise the approval threshold for future ballot initiatives. There are also Republican primaries for governor, and the U-S Senate and House. And, depending on your district, there are primary contests for seats in the state Legislature.
Erik Nelson, of A-A-R-P South Dakota, says even though this isn’t a presidential election year, voters 50 and older should still participate. He says there are a lot of issues right now that affect them.
“The impact will be felt starting next year when we gather again to work with lawmakers on issues that are important to AARP South Dakota, such as a health-care, consumer-protection, housing, elder-abuse and many more issues.”
Because South Dakota redrew its political boundaries based on the 2020 census data, voters are encouraged to find out if their district has changed. More election information can be found on the Secretary of State’s website.
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