SIOUX FALLS S.D. (KELO) — There’s a tool available for South Dakota voters to study 2024 General Election ballots.
A sample ballot is a version of ballot available to the public that mimics everything that’s going to be on the actual ballot during the South Dakota general election.
Rachel Soulek, Director of Division of Elections for South Dakota, there’s more ballot questions for voters than recent years.
“The format of the sample ballots has remained consistent over the years. However, the content varies based on the specific contests and ballot measures in each election,” Soulek said in an email to KELOLAND News.
Soulek said sample ballots are available for every registered voter. However, the content may vary depending on the voter’s county, district, and any specific local elections they are eligible to vote in.
Sheri Lund, Lincoln County Auditor said why they are pushing out the sample ballots now.
“Sample ballots are always available for every election, these ones are a little more important because its a longer ballot so it could take longer to vote,” Lund told KELOLAND News. “We want people to have an idea of what your looking at before you go into the polls, that’s why we are pushing it out a little more.”
Along with electing officials there are 7 General Election Ballot Questions for South Dakota
Bellow is an example of a sample ballot for Davison County.
Lund said its important for people to take a look at the sample ballots to be made aware of everything voters will be voting on.
“If you are familiar with the ballot you are supposed to be voting on it will prevent possibly getting a wrong ballot when you are at the polling location,” Lund said. “With it being such a long ballot and the time it takes to vote, it’s probably a good idea for people to know what they are voting on before they go in.”
Cindy Mohler, Pennington County Auditor, said she believes the sample ballots are being made available now to reduce confusion.
“I believe it’s because the initiated measures and the amendments that are on the ballot, those are going to take people more time to read and understand when they are going to vote,” Mohler told KELOLAND News. “In order to be prepared when you get there you know what you’re going to be voting on and you know how you wanna vote.”
Soulek said the Secretary of States office is preparing for absentee voting to begin.
“Our office is actively coordinating with county auditors to ensure they have all the necessary resources for a smooth absentee voting process,” Soulek said. “This includes making sure ballots and absentee materials are ready, providing guidance on voter ID requirements, and ensuring the Voter Information Portal is up-to-date for voter access. We’re encouraging voters to submit their absentee ballot requests as early as possible to account for mail processing times.”
For more information regarding sample ballots, you can contact your local county auditors office or check out the voter information portal Secretary of States website.
Absentee voting begins on Sept. 20, the voter registration deadline to participate in the 2024 General Election is Oct. 21, and the General Election is on Nov. 5.
