South Dakota Conducts Election Machine Accuracy Tests
County auditors across the state are testing voting tabulation systems to ensure ballot accuracy for the November election.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Elections
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South Dakota counties have begun mandatory accuracy tests on election tabulation machines ahead of the November 3 general election. Auditors across 66 counties are verifying that machine programming correctly records ballots before voters head to the polls.
Why it matters
Testing ensures that voting systems are properly calibrated to read ballots and count votes accurately. This process aims to confirm that the software programmed for the 2026 election cycle is operating as intended.
Auditors across 66 counties perform two mandatory public tests to verify tabulation accuracy. Each test session is held between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. to ensure equipment programming aligns with ballot designs for upcoming races.
The players
ESNS
This organization provides the specialized software used by county auditors to program election tabulation equipment.
The details
Election officials use test ballots and hand-marked ballots to perform a manual count that is then compared against machine results. These machines utilize specialized software developed by ESNS to process votes for races ranging from Governor to various constitutional amendments.
Timeline
The first round of tabulation machine testing was conducted on October 21, 2026.
Election worker training sessions are scheduled to begin on October 22, 2026.
A second public test of the tabulation machines will occur on October 27, 2026.
Election Day is set for November 3, 2026.
Political Context
Critics of centralized election technology frequently raise concerns regarding the transparency of proprietary software used in voting machines. Proponents argue that the bipartisan nature of manual comparison tests provides a necessary layer of oversight that guards against systemic failures.
These testing procedures are conducted by local officials and do not require action from individual voters. Residents can expect standard polling procedures and increased election worker activity as preparations for the November 3 general election intensify.
The takeaway
The mandatory testing cycle serves as a critical quality control measure that must be completed before ballots are cast. Voters can review sample ballots and polling locations provided by their local auditor to prepare for the upcoming general election.
What happens next
A second public test for the tabulation machines is scheduled to take place on October 27, 2026.
Further reading
For more information on state voting procedures, visit the South Dakota Elections portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Kotatv.
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