MITCHELL, SD (Mitchell Now) Mitchell residents who want to cast their ballots before Election Day can now vote absentee in person for South Dakota’s 2026 general election.

Absentee voting began Sept. 18, according to the South Dakota Secretary of State. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3.

Davison County voters can vote absentee in person at the Davison County Auditor’s Office on the first floor of the Davison County Courthouse, 200 E. Fourth Ave. in Mitchell. Voters should bring an acceptable photo ID. Those unable to provide photo identification may sign a personal identification affidavit.

The deadline to register to vote in the general election is Oct. 19. Voters can check their registration, polling location and absentee ballot information through the Secretary of State’s Voter Information Portal.

Voters may also request an absentee ballot by mail. Under state requirements, an absentee ballot application generally must be submitted as an original signed application and must meet identification or notarization requirements. Completed ballots must reach the county election official in time to be delivered to the voter’s precinct before polls close on Election Day.

In-person absentee voting is available through 5 p.m. Nov. 2, the day before the election, according to the Secretary of State’s absentee voting information.

Early voting FAQ

When is Election Day?
Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026.

When did early voting begin?
Absentee voting began Sept. 18.

Where can Mitchell residents vote early?
Davison County voters can vote absentee at the Davison County Auditor’s Office, first floor of the Davison County Courthouse, 200 E. Fourth Ave., Mitchell.

Do I need an excuse to vote early?
No. Registered South Dakota voters can vote absentee before Election Day.

What identification should I bring?
Acceptable identification includes a South Dakota driver’s license or nondriver ID, U.S. government photo ID, tribal photo ID or a current student photo ID from a South Dakota high school or accredited postsecondary institution. Voters without an acceptable ID may sign an identification affidavit.

What is the voter registration deadline?
The deadline for the Nov. 3 general election is Oct. 19.

Can I vote absentee by mail?
Yes. Registered voters can apply for an absentee ballot through their county election official.

When must my mailed ballot arrive?
A completed absentee ballot must reach the county election official in time to be delivered to the voter’s precinct before polls close on Election Day. A ballot arriving after the polls close will not be counted.

Where can I get more information?
Visit the Davison County Auditor or South Dakota Secretary of State websites.