The ballots have been counted, but the lesson remains: local elections matter. Whether turnout was high or low, the decisions made by local voters will affect schools, public services, taxes and community priorities long after Election Day has passed.
South Dakota voters turned out in significantly higher numbers for the 2026 primary election than in 2024. According to the South Dakota Secretary of State’s Office, 171,729 ballots were cast in the June 2026 primary, compared to 100,505 ballots in the June 2024 primary, an increase of more than 71,000 votes.
A unique opportunity now presents itself in South Dakota, as registered voters will participate in a runoff election between Gov. Larry Rhoden and newcomer Toby Doeden. The winner will secure the Republican nomination for governor on the Nov. 3 ballot. Because none of the four Republican candidates received the 35% of votes required to win the nomination outright, the race highlights the importance of casting a ballot and educating yourself on candidates’ policies, qualifications and records.
Historically, local elections tend to attract fewer voters than general or presidential elections in November. Despite lower voter turnout, local elections have a significant impact on daily life in a community. School boards influence education policies and budgets. County officials oversee roads, public safety and public services, while city councils make decisions regarding growth, infrastructure, taxes and community priorities. It can be argued that these decisions have a more direct impact on residents than national politics.
When Election Day experiences low turnout, significant decisions in your community are made by a relatively small percentage of the population. In the District 35 Senate primary race, the winner prevailed by just 109 votes. Had a few dozen voters cast ballots differently, the outcome could have changed.
While the polls have closed for the 2026 primary, active participation in local government should not end. I encourage residents to attend public meetings, contact elected officials and stay informed about the decisions affecting their communities and state.
Additionally, I extend recognition and appreciation to everyone who participated in the June 2 primary, including those who cast ballots, volunteered, hosted legislative panels and ran for office. Your involvement, passion and commitment to local government are recognized and appreciated.
The District 35 ballot featured young and first-time candidates with a passion for creating change in their communities. I look forward to seeing what each accomplishes through his or her civic engagements and community services in the years ahead.
To our citizens: Local government works best when people stay engaged between elections, make informed decisions and play an active role in civic life. Now is the time to ensure you are knowledgeable about each candidate and issue that will appear on the Nov. 3 ballot. Local government shapes the future of our communities and our state. It is important that we exercise our right to vote and make our voices heard.
Absentee voting for the July 28 runoff election between Gov. Larry Rhoden and Toby Doeden opens Friday, June 12. The deadline to register to vote in the runoff election is July 13.
The general election will be held Tuesday, Nov. 3. Pennington County absentee voting begins Sept. 18, 2026, and will be available Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. The voter registration deadline to vote in the general election is 5 p.m. on Oct. 19, 2026.
For more information on voter registration in South Dakota, visit the South Dakota Secretary of State’s Elections and Voting website.
