Elections & Voting
Let's Get2Know Voting!
Learn more about how you can exercise your right to vote by checking out the following video made possible by South Dakota Advocates for Change and DRSD's PAVA program.
Why It Is Important to Vote
South Dakota Absentee Voting began on September 23. 2022. During the current pandemic, it is just as, if not even more important, to vote in the 2022 general elections. Individuals with underlying health issues, disabilities and senior citizens are at the highest risk for becoming ill.
So why should you vote? One simple reason—if you do not vote you give up the right to have your voice heard. Some people do not vote because they do not like any of the candidates or understand the ballot questions. They may think their vote does not matter. When a person does not vote they are letting those who do vote choose who will be their voice.
Sadly, the voices of individuals with disabilities are not heard as well as they should be. People with disabilities do not vote as much as others. The voice of all individuals is equally important. People with disabilities need to find and vote for candidates that have the same ideals and goals as they do.
To remain safe and still exercise your right to vote you can fill out an absentee ballot application. It can be printed from the Secretary of State’s website at https://sdsos.gov/ . You can also contact your local county auditor and request an absentee ballot application be mailed to you.
Absentee ballots applications must have a copy of a photo ID or be notarized. If you do not have access to a copier or notary, a picture of your photo ID can be taken and sent to your County Auditor via text or email. All County Auditor information is available at the Secretary of State’s website at https://sdsos.gov/.
You MUST sign the outside of the envelope provided by the County Auditor’s office prior to mailing.
In South Dakota, the County Election Official must receive your application for absentee ballot no later than 5 p.m. the day before the election.
Why It Is Important to Vote - Word Document
Oyate` Wicha’ho Unki’ – The People’s Voice
Raise Your Voice and Be Heard - Tribal Members represent 10% of the South Dakota population. People with disability are nearly 20% of the state's population…Together, this is a powerful voting voice in South Dakota. This is a non-partisan effort to create opportunity and access to voting in the 2022 election. “Oyate` Wicha’ho Unki’ – The People’s Voice is supported and funded by Disability Rights of South Dakota.
Voting During COVID-19
With the current health concerns and recommendations for social distancing, Disability Rights South Dakota has received some questions regarding when/how to absentee vote. Absentee voting for the November 8, 2022 general elections begins September 23, 2022. Below, you can find a link to the Secretary of State's website that details the process and provides the form needed to request an absentee ballot. You will see a spot on the form for a notary--if a notary is not available, a copy of a state photo ID can be sent with the application. If you do not have access to a copier you can take a photo of your ID and text or email to your county auditor. If you have any questions or need assistance to print the forms, please contact our office at 1-800-658-4782, and we will do our best to assist you.
Absentee Voting:
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DRSD Statement on Voting During COVID-19 - With local and primary elections approaching fast, South Dakota voters will need to determine the safest way to vote. While voting at a polling site on election day is the preferred choice, there are other options such as early voting or requesting an absentee ballot, to help keep everyone safe during this unusual election season. Read this statement to learn more about how to vote absentee.
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Secretary of State - Absentee Voting
Vote Early Day - October 28th, 2022
This election is seeing more interest than ever before. That's why we're joining with others across the country this October to celebrate Vote Early Day and help everyone understand their options to vote. You can join us! Just visit http://www.voteearlyday.org/ to learn more and sign up for more information.
Vote For Access:
Vote for Access is a series of five short advocacy videos on the barriers that many disabled voters still face when trying to vote. This non-partisan project is produced by Rooted in Rights and Block by Block Creative, in collaboration with a number of Protection and Advocacy agencies across the country, including DRSD. Our goal is to push for better resources, funding, and awareness to improve accessibility and outreach for disabled voters.
Each episode showcases a specific issue that directly impacts voters with disabilities: attitudinal barriers, access to information, access to the polls, access to alternative voting options, and voter suppression. Our host, Imani Barbarin, introduces considerations that often aren’t included in conversations about voting rights. Imani is joined by 16 guests from around the country who speak to their experiences as voters, poll workers, and researchers who can help us understand a better way to ensure equality at the polls.
Check out all five episodes in the playlist below!
Other Election Information: