Absentee voting begins April 17, 2026, for South Dakota’s June Primary Election (June 2, 2026), creating a tight timeline for county auditors across the state to determine how many ballot options their respective county needs.
While local nominating petitions were due sooner, the deadline for county and state candidates to turn in their petitions to the Secretary of State’s Office was March 31. State election officials drew for the order candidates would be listed on the ballot for their respective races on April 7.
Hughes County Finance Officer Thomas Oliva (olive-a) told county commissioners during this week’s meeting (April 7) that this left Auditors with seven working days to get ballots prepared and printed.
Oliva explains who would receive a “federal only” ballot and why.
Absentee voting for the June 2 Primary Election can be done, again, beginning April 17, at the Auditor’s Office in the county where you live. Remember to bring photo identification with you when you go to vote.
Candidate forums:
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Thursday, April 23— The Fort Pierre Chamber of Commerce will host a Candidate Forum at the Pat Duffy Community Youth Involved Center in Fort Pierre (19 East Main Street) on Thursday, April 23, 2026, beginning at 6pm CT. All candidates seeking election for Stanley County Sheriff, Stanley County Commission, Fort Pierre Mayor and City Council, District 24 Senate and District 24 House are invited to participate.
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Monday, April 27— The Pierre Area Chamber of Commerce Government Outreach Committee will hold a candidate forum Monday, April 27, 2026, beginning at 6pm CT at the Ramkota Hotel and Convention Center in Pierre. The candidates for Pierre School Board, Pierre Mayor, Hughes County Commission and District 24 House and Senate are all invited.
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