South Dakota Poll Gauges Voter Sentiment

A new survey finds majority opposition to data centers and AI alongside approval ratings for state senators.

Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Elections

South Dakota Poll Gauges Voter Sentiment

Live Poll

Do you feel that your elected officials are held accountable for their performance in office?

A Mason-Dixon Polling and Strategy survey of 500 likely South Dakota voters reveals significant concerns regarding technology and out-of-state election influence. The poll also measured the job performance approval ratings of Senators John Thune and Mike Rounds.

Why it matters

The findings reflect shifting public sentiment toward large-scale infrastructure projects like data centers and emerging technologies in South Dakota. High concern regarding outside influence on local elections may impact future policy priorities for state leadership.

The poll of 500 likely voters recorded a 49% approval rating for Senator John Thune and a 61% approval rating for Senator Mike Rounds, with a margin of error of +/- 4.5 percentage points. Data indicates that 70% of respondents believe in significant out-of-state influence on state elections.

The players

John Thune

He is a United States Senator from South Dakota who is currently facing uncertainty regarding a future re-election bid.

Mike Rounds

He serves as a United States Senator for South Dakota and received a 61% job performance approval rating in the recent survey.

Donald Trump

He is the current President of the United States who has consistently secured over 60% of the vote in South Dakota since 2016.

Mason-Dixon Polling and Strategy

This firm is a professional research organization that conducted the survey of 500 South Dakota voters.

The details

More than half of those polled expressed opposition to data centers in the state and reported a belief that artificial intelligence has a negative societal impact. The results arrive as Senator John Thune faces questions about whether he will seek another term before his current seat expires in January 2029.

2016: Donald Trump won 61% of the vote in South Dakota.
2020: Donald Trump won 62% of the vote in South Dakota.
2024: Donald Trump won 63% of the vote in South Dakota.
Oct. 12-14, 2026: Mason-Dixon Polling and Strategy conducted the survey.
January 2029: John Thune's current Senate term expires.

Political Context

The public debate over data centers in South Dakota follows patterns established by the National Environmental Policy Act regarding infrastructure development impact. This survey highlights that local opposition to large-scale industrial projects is becoming a central focus for state voters.

Voters can expect candidates to address the issue of out-of-state influence and data center development as central platform points in future campaign cycles. The survey findings may influence how local legislators prioritize environmental and technological regulation in upcoming sessions.

The takeaway

The poll illustrates a clear divide between public sentiment and industrial development in South Dakota. Residents should monitor future state legislation for potential restrictions on data center expansion and foreign influence in electoral processes.