MITCHELL, SD (Mitchell Now) — The Watertown School District and Codington County have formally approved a combined election agreement that will take effect for the June 2, 2026 election and all future elections held on the first Tuesday in June, according to reporting from Northeast Radio SD News. The measure aligns the district with recent state legislation and standardizes local election procedures.
The agreement is intended to save tax dollars and encourage higher voter participation by consolidating election responsibilities. The Codington County Board approved the measure on Dec. 2.
Under the agreement, the County will take the lead in administering the combined election. Responsibilities include joint publications such as notices and facsimile ballots, hiring and training election workers, managing absentee voting, preparing polling locations and overseeing Election Day operations. The County Auditor will also prepare and order ballots once the School District certifies candidates and ballot questions. Vote tabulation will occur in the Auditor’s Office with representatives from both entities present.
Costs will be shared equally, including publications, election board salaries, shared materials and data processing. The School District will cover costs associated with the rural precinct and may staff a rural table for the election. The County will pay most costs upfront and be reimbursed for the district’s share.
The agreement also outlines new procedures for voters who live outside Codington County but within Watertown School District boundaries. Those residents, including voters in Hamlin County, will be required to cast ballots at the Codington County Extension Building. Absentee voting will now occur exclusively through the County Auditor’s Office, with ballots available 45 days before the election.
District officials plan to use social media and the school website to help voters understand the changes ahead of the 2026 election. The agreement is effective immediately and may be terminated by either party with written notice by Jan. 1 of any year.