MITCHELL, S.D. (MITCHELLNOW) When Susan Kiepke resigned as the Auditor of Davison County, the Davison County Commission saw an opportunity to consolidate the offices of Treasurer and Auditor into one Finance Office in an attempt to save money. This is done in a handful of South Dakota counties, most notably in Brookings County.
Current Auditor Kathy Wingert was presented with a petition to refer that decision to a vote of the people. After consulting with the South Dakota Secretary of State Monae Johnson, Auditor Wingert began the process of confirming the signatures on the petition. Petitioners needed 5% of the turnout of the voters in the 2022 primary, a total of 603 valid signatures, to refer the measure. They had that and so a special election will be held.
The ballots are printed, and voting has begun for the November 5 election and state law doesn’t allow a “piggyback” election in this instance particularly since some people have already voted in the general election, so a special election on the decision to consolidate the Treasurer and Auditor’s offices will be held on December 3rd. There will be polling places in Mount Vernon, Ethan and at the Davison County Fairgrounds. Early and absentee voting for the special election begins October 18th at the Davison County Courthouse.