In-Person Absentee Voting Begins April 24 in Hughes County

Hughes County, SD – The Hughes County Auditor’s Office announces that ballots for the upcoming election are now available. In-person absentee voting will officially begin on Friday, April 24, 2026.
Registered voters in Hughes County may cast an absentee ballot in person at the Auditor’s Office beginning April 24, during regular office hours of Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. In-person absentee voting is conducted in accordance with SDCL 12-19-2, which authorizes absentee voting beginning forty-six days prior to an election. Voters are reminded that identification is required when voting, consistent with SDCL 12-18-6.1.
Voters may request an absentee ballot through 5:00 p.m. on June 1, 2026, as provided by SDCL 12-19-3, which establishes the deadline for absentee ballot applications.
The in-person absentee voting period will close at 5:00 p.m. on June 1, 2026, the day before the election, in accordance with SDCL 12-19-2.1. Absentee ballots returned by mail must be received by  the Auditor’s Office no later than 7:00 p.m. on Election Day, June 2, 2026, to be counted.
Absentee voting provides a convenient option for voters who may be unable to vote on Election Day. Ballots will be available through the close of the absentee voting period as provided by law.
For additional information regarding absentee voting, voter eligibility, or ballot procedures, please contact the Hughes County Auditor’s Office or visit the county website.