South Dakota Voters to Head to Polls November 3
Residents will decide on four constitutional amendments and various state and federal races on Election Day.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Elections
Live Poll
Should states implement stricter requirements for constitutional amendments and voter eligibility?
South Dakota voters will cast ballots for state and federal offices on November 3, 2026. The ballot also features four proposed constitutional amendments covering topics ranging from Medicaid funding to citizenship requirements.
Why it matters
These electoral choices will determine the future direction of state policy, including potential changes to the approval process for future constitutional amendments and administrative trust funds.
Official counts show 183 absentee voters recorded in Moody County as of October 20, 2026. Proposed Amendment L seeks to raise the approval threshold for future constitutional amendments to 60%.
The players
Larry Rhoden
The current Governor of South Dakota who assumed office in January 2025.
Bart Sample
The Republican candidate for the District 25 state Senate seat who replaced a former candidate.
Tom Pischke
A former candidate for state Senate who ended his campaign following felony charges related to candidate filings.
The details
Voters will decide on Amendment I regarding Medicaid funding, Amendment J on noncitizen voting, Amendment K on unclaimed property, and Amendment L on ballot initiative thresholds. The election follows a campaign cycle that saw Bart Sample replace Tom Pischke as the Republican candidate for the District 25 state Senate seat.
Timeline
Larry Rhoden assumed the office of governor in January 2025.
Voter registration closed on October 19, 2026.
Moody County recorded 183 absentee voters on October 20, 2026.
In-person absentee voting remains available through November 2, 2026.
Election Day polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on November 3, 2026.
Political Context
This election follows debates surrounding the Medicaid expansion provisions of the Affordable Care Act, which South Dakota voters previously approved. Amendment I now seeks to adjust the state's participation based on federal funding levels.
Voters should confirm their polling location and bring valid identification before heading to the polls on November 3. Those who missed the voter registration deadline on October 19 may not be eligible to participate in this election.
The takeaway
Election officials remind citizens that in-person absentee voting options remain open at county auditor offices through November 2. Residents are encouraged to review the full text of the four constitutional amendments before arriving at their polling place on Election Day.
Further reading
For additional information on the ballot measures and races, visit the South Dakota Elections page.
More information
To verify registration status or locate a polling place, visit the South Dakota voter information portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Moody County Enterprise.
Live Poll
Should states implement stricter requirements for constitutional amendments and voter eligibility?
