(Pierre, SD) — South Dakota’s State Board of Elections is updating its rules to match several new election laws passed by the 2025 legislature. In a Thursday meeting, every proposed rule change on the agenda passed. Those include updates to voter residency requirements and a big change allowing candidates for governor to pick their own running mates, instead of relying on party conventions.
Voters using mail-forwarding services will now be limited to voting in federal races unless they provide a physical address. Officials also clarified that South Dakotans who sell their homes but intend to return can still vote in the state. The board also approved updates to absentee ballot forms, giving counties more flexibility, although some local auditors raised concerns about cost and formatting.