SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — Those casting an absentee ballot on Monday in Minnehaha County may have had to practice a little patience, but as county auditor Leah Anderson explains, that’s not anything out of the ordinary.
“I think the line’s moving pretty well,” Anderson said. “It is long, and that’s to be expected ’cause it’s the day before the election.”
Elsie Zajicek of Sioux Falls estimates she waited in line roughly an hour to vote absentee.
“I think tomorrow might be a little bit more hectic as well, so I was trying to get away from all the hecticness and just get ‘er done early,” Zajicek said.
It’s a similar story for Katie Teveldal of Sioux Falls, who was still in line when KELOLAND News caught up with her.
“Well, I thought I could maybe beat the rush for tomorrow, and I just think it’s important for everybody to get out and let their voice be heard,” Teveldal said.
Timing was also right Monday for Kevin Wolbeck, who was also in line Monday.
“It was convenient to come down here today and not tomorrow,” Wolbeck said.
All told, a voting block which in and of itself would be among the biggest communities in the whole state has already voted absentee in Minnehaha County this election.
“Broad number is about just under 28,000 probably so far,” Anderson said. “I expect that when we finish today we’ll be closer to 30,000 is my guess.”
Election Day is almost here, and the work of facilitating American democracy, whether you’re a voter or an election worker, presses on.
“I have been here every day for a month and a half, working as hard as I can to make sure it goes well, and I will keep doing it,” Anderson says.
Polls will be open across South Dakota on Election Day for 12 hours, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time.
