MITCHELL, SD (Mitchell Now) — Monae L. Johnson is providing clarity on the state’s 2026 primary absentee voting process, highlighting several factors that have affected ballot preparation and timing.
The candidate petition filing deadline fell on March 31 this year, due to March having five Tuesdays. Under current law, candidates could submit petitions via registered mail if postmarked by 5 p.m. CT that day. This, combined with petition challenges, delayed final ballot certification.
Following submission, petitions are subject to a five-business-day challenge window. Johnson’s office reported a record number of 12 statewide candidate petitions, requiring staff to work through the Easter holiday, including Easter Sunday, to meet deadlines.
Additional changes have also contributed to the complexity. South Dakota is implementing a new federal ballot, and legislation passed under House Bill 1130 now requires city and school contests to appear on the primary ballot.
Absentee voting is scheduled to begin April 17. To address potential delays in ballot availability, the Secretary of State’s office issued guidance to county auditors, allowing the use of sample ballots under state statutes SDCL 12-19-3 and 12-16-17 until official ballots arrive.
“I stand in support of our county auditors and the excellent work they do every day,” Johnson said. “There is no such thing as working 8-5 when it comes to elections and we should all be grateful for their dedication to the election process.”