Coverage of elections in South Dakota focuses on candidate announcements, polling, campaign finance, voting processes and official election results. The reporting covers electoral activity from the capital city to rural communities.
Fosness, appointed in July 2025, won a first full term representing South Dakota's District 1 in the state House.
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November 5, 2026
Howard Wins District 34 State Senate SeatRepublican incumbent Taffy Howard defeated Democrat Michael Calabrese in unofficial returns as Democrats gained legislative seats across South Dakota.
November 5, 2026
Sommers Wins Seat in District 3 House RaceRepublican Spencer Sommers, a first-time candidate, claimed one of two District 3 seats in South Dakota's House of Representatives in the midterm election.
November 5, 2026
South Dakota Turnout Hits Record Low at 49%Just under half of registered South Dakota voters cast ballots in the 2026 general election, the lowest rate recorded since at least 1964.
November 4, 2026
Voters Reject Medicaid Cut, Approve Berkeley Soda TaxSouth Dakota voters turned down a measure that would have ended Medicaid expansion, while Berkeley voters raised the sugary drink distributor tax.
November 4, 2026
Heather Baxter Wins South Dakota Secretary of StateRepublican Baxter, a Rapid City state representative, defeated Democrat Terrence Davis and Libertarian Tamara Lesnar in the general election.
November 4, 2026
Rhoden Wins South Dakota Governor RaceRepublican incumbent Larry Rhoden defeated Democrat Dan Ahlers, while voters rejected Medicaid expansion repeal.
November 4, 2026
Gosch, Werner Win District 23 House SeatsSpencer Gosch and Dick Werner won State Representative District 23 seats in South Dakota's November 3, 2026 election, with statewide turnout at 49.37%.
November 4, 2026
Catherine Barranco Wins South Dakota Auditor RaceRepublican Catherine Barranco defeated Democrat Tom Cool to become South Dakota's state auditor after taking over her late husband's nomination.
November 4, 2026
Judge Allows Voter to Wear Shirt at PollsA federal judge temporarily blocked a South Dakota county from barring a voter for wearing a 'Natives Vote' T-shirt at the polls.
November 3, 2026
Free Ride Drive Targets South Dakota Voter AccessSenate candidate Celestine Stadnick is offering free rides to voters across several South Dakota districts as transportation barriers persist.
Reporting here centers on voter turnout, primary results, ballot access and the administration of elections. It reaches from the state capital to the rural counties, covering the entire landscape. Ballot security and the certification of results are constant themes that influence state administration throughout the year. Changes to voting systems and legislative updates on campaign finance drive much of the ongoing discussion.
