South Dakota election news
- USArgus Leader
South Dakota Attorney General joins opposition to reclassifying weed as less-dangerous drug
Jackley said in the press release that a change in federal classification would not alter the enforcement of state laws regarding marijuana in South Dakota.
2 min read - PoliticsArgus Leader
South Dakota Democratic delegates unanimously endorse Kamala Harris as presidential pick
Nebraska, Maryland, Florida, New Hampshire, Alabama, North Carolina and Virginia were among the states where Democrats backed Harris as of Monday evening.
2 min read - PoliticsArgus Leader
Joe Biden drops out of 2024 race amid growing pressure from top Democrats
The historic withdrawal came after an intense pressure campaign from many party leaders and top donors.
6 min read - USArgus Leader
Election integrity group asks SD Supreme Court for action on Minnehaha June primary
The filing calls for 132 absentee ballots from Minnehaha County to once again be invalidated, something state and county officials have opposed.
3 min read - PoliticsArgus Leader
Kristi Noem says Republicans should not get 'overconfident' after Trump shooting
South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem has a warning for the Republican party: Don't get "overconfident."
3 min read - PoliticsArgus Leader
Biden rejects accusations that his rhetoric fueled assassination attempt on Trump
President Joe Biden said he meant "focus" not "crosshairs" when he talked about putting a "bullseye" on election opponent Donald Trump.
2 min read - PoliticsArgus Leader
Rhoden floats idea of Mount Trumpmore while casting SD RNC votes
Lt. Gov. Larry Rhoden floated the idea of adding Trump's likeness to Mount Rushmore while casting South Dakota's 29 RNC delegation votes Monday.
2 min read - USArgus Leader
South Dakota judge dismisses lawsuit against abortion-rights ballot measure
Judge John Pekas ruled that since the Secretary of State’s Office has already certified the measure, the arguments should have been directed against that office.
3 min read - PoliticsArgus Leader
Donald Trump selects Ohio senator J.D. Vance over Kristi Noem to be running mate
Where Noem goes from here isn't clear.
4 min read - PoliticsArgus Leader
'These people are evil': How Noem's response to Trump rally shooting differs from other leaders
Where some U.S. leaders gave measured responses, others, like S.D. Gov. Kristi Noem, were quick to point fingers before all the facts were laid out.
10 min read - USArgus Leader
'Praying for President Trump' — Gov. Kristi Noem, leaders react to assassination attempt at rally
Reports from the scene say gunshots rang out, followed by Trump — who is safe, but says he was shot in the ear — being rushed from the scene.
7 min read - USThe Daily Republic, Mitchell, S.D.
Lake Mitchell resident faced with possibility of removing outdoor pool due to encroaching on city land
Jul. 12—MITCHELL — After discovering a portion of a Lake Mitchell resident's outdoor pool is encroaching onto city-owned parkland, city leaders are mulling over ways to remedy the issue. The pool was built on Bart and Nikki Fredericksen's lakefront property, located at 129 S. Harmon Dr., roughly a decade ago. According to the city's land map, a little less than half of the pool extends beyond ...
4 min read - USArgus Leader
'It's a tradeoff': SD commerce and industry groups stand against consumption tax repeal
A coalition of South Dakota commerce groups are banding together to sway voters away from repealing a tax on food and other consumables this November.
6 min read - USArgus Leader
Election audits match machine tallies in most counties, ‘minimal’ discrepancies in others
Of the state’s 66 counties, 52 reported no discrepancies between their post-election audit and tabulator results.
8 min read - USArgus Leader
Sustainable jet fuel company contributes $167K in defense of carbon pipeline law
The company, Gevo, made the contribution to a ballot question committee called Protect South Dakota’s Ag Future.
4 min read - USArgus Leader
After 'minimal' ballot discrepancies, commissioner questions intent of Minnehaha County audit
Minnehaha County Auditor Leah Anderson acknowledged the "minimal" differences between machine tabulated and hand-counted votes in the June 4 primary.
6 min read - USThe Daily Republic, Mitchell, S.D.
Coin flip decides Mitchell City Council president, presenting interesting first task for new mayor
Jul. 1—MITCHELL — Immediately after being sworn into office, Mayor Jordan Hanson had to flip a coin to decide who will serve as the next president of the Mitchell City Council. Following a 4-4 tie vote for the council president nomination, a coin flip was needed to decide the next council president. In what's believed to be the first coin flip vote in council history, the coin landed on tails ...
3 min read - USArgus Leader
Minnehaha County's auditor predicted a hand count of votes would take 5 hours. It took 12.
Counting went on for nearly 12 hours, though Minnehaha County Auditor Leah Anderson said future audits would be faster and of smaller scope.
5 min read - OpinionArgus Leader
With marijuana on the ballot, it’s not just about good times. It’s also about money.
To the casual observer, it might look like South Dakotans are addicted to voting on recreational marijuana.
4 min read - USArgus Leader
Petitions filed to refer carbon pipeline law to ballot; Summit plans to reapply for SD permit
South Dakota voters might decide on Nov. 5 whether to reject a new state law regulating carbon dioxide pipelines.
5 min read - USArgus Leader
Recount board opts to count 132 absentee ballots originally rejected in June 4 primary
There were no major changes in the three races examined by the Minnehaha County recount board, though a ballot challenge that had concerned some officials was reversed.
4 min read - USArgus Leader
Explaining the lawsuit against South Dakota’s abortion-rights ballot measure
The court fight started June 13, when the Life Defense Fund filed a lawsuit in state court.
4 min read - USThe Daily Republic, Mitchell, S.D.
In inaugural effort, Davison County navigates post-election audit without issue
Jun. 19—MITCHELL — Man checked machine on Wednesday at the Davison County Courthouse, as the county conducted a post-election hand-counting audit of its primary election results from two weeks ago. Among those in the audience of the courthouse meeting room was South Dakota Secretary of State Monae Johnson, who said she was pleased by the process and the execution of the ballot review. There ...
4 min read - USArgus Leader
Commissioner accuses county auditor of releasing 'half-baked' information on 2020 election
Leah Anderson and the Minnehaha County Commission again clashed over elections at a Tuesday morning meeting.
7 min read - PoliticsArgus Leader
Elections expert says analysis endorsed by Minnehaha County auditor 'doesn't make sense'
Philip Stark said the analysis alleging voter fraud in Minnehaha County was made by someone with "a deep misunderstanding of how elections work."
5 min read - OpinionArgus Leader
SD no longer insulated; Primaries should stay as they are: Your letters
"Too many times we South Dakotans feel that somehow we are insulated from all the craziness 'out there.'"
10 min read - USArgus Leader
Minnehaha auditor makes 'big claims' about 2020 election. State says she's running her own narrative.
Minnehaha County's auditor is telling Mike Lindell there are issues with the county's 2020 votes. Gov. Kristi Noem's secretary of state says the auditor is trying to 'run her own narrative.'
13 min read - USArgus Leader
Secretary of State's Office: Challenge to Minnehaha County ballots fell outside state law
132 ballots were rejected in Minnehaha County following a challenge by an election integrity activist. State officials say they're "deeply concerned."
5 min read - PoliticsArgus Leader
Poll: Majority of South Dakotans want new system for primary elections
If passed, Amendment H would establish “top-two” primaries for governor, Congress and state legislative and county races.
8 min read - USWatertown Public Opinion
NIL ammendment approved, new SDHSAA board member elected by South Dakota schools
Schools approve an amendment that spells out how the SDHSAA will handle student-athletes that monetize their social media accounts.
3 min read - USArgus Leader
Minnehaha County auditor wants hand-counted audit of every vote in June 4 primary
Leah Anderson told the county's canvassing board about the plan Monday morning, saying she believed it could be done in a single day.
2 min read - USArgus Leader
Poll shows support for grocery tax repeal, but critics warn of budget crunch
Supporters call the measure a long-overdue effort to take the tax burden off low-income families and individuals.
10 min read - USThe Daily Republic, Mitchell, S.D.
City Council leader criticizes validity of Lake Mitchell bond vote, makes allegation of voter manipulation
Jun. 10—MITCHELL — The Mitchell City Council president is questioning whether the Lake Mitchell bond issue that voters approved on June 4 required a 60% voter approval to be valid. The council met Monday afternoon to canvas the election results from the June 4 election. During the meeting, City Council President Kevin McCardle said he contacted South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley ...
4 min read - USWatertown Public Opinion
Watertown Boys & Girls Club gets state funding to reduce juvenile crime
In addition, Codington County commissioners selected Duininck Inc. of Minnesota to rebuild a parking lot at the county’s Extension Complex in Watertown.
4 min read - OpinionArgus Leader
Where is the moral high ground for this election? South Dakotans react to Trump's conviction: Your letters
"Good luck America if he wins in November and subjects us all to four years of personal retribution instead of governing."
15 min read - USThe Daily Republic, Mitchell, S.D.
Mitchell City Council gearing up to work with new, young mayor
Jun. 7—MITCHELL — For the past six years, the Mitchell City Council has had continuity — the same mayor, relatively little turnover among its council members. In a month, that will change when mayor-elect Jordan Hanson takes office and begins his first term as Mitchell's lead elected official. The mayoral office will change hands from a seasoned leader in Bob Everson, a 65-year-old two-term ...
3 min read - PoliticsArgus Leader
Costs and other concerns about low-turnout South Dakota primary spark thoughts of change
Only 67 people voted in Lyman County — just over 6% of registered voters. Yet the county spent about $9,000 on ballot printing, hiring election workers and other costs.
6 min read - PoliticsArgus Leader
New landscape confronts South Dakota Republicans after political earthquake shakes incumbents
Current Republican House Majority Leader Will Mortenson, R-Fort Pierre said new legislators are always welcome, but losing 14 incumbents comes with a cost.
7 min read - USThe Daily Republic, Mitchell, S.D.
Mitchell election drives Davison County's voter turnout to among SD's primary best
Jun. 5—MITCHELL — Closely contested races for Mitchell mayor and the dredging ballot question drove voter turnout in Mitchell and Davison County among the state's best figures on Tuesday night for the primary election. A turnout of 45.01% was recorded among city voters, with 4,324 city votes cast among 9,606 registered voters, according to city finance director Michelle Bathke. The 45% figure ...
2 min read - USThe Daily Republic, Mitchell, S.D.
Mitchell city attorney affirms lake ballot issue required simple majority vote
Jun. 5—MITCHELL — While the Lake Mitchell bond issue was approved by a razor-thin margin on Tuesday, some Mitchell Republic readers have inquired whether it needed 60% of the votes to pass. The bond issue, which allows the city to utilize a $16.8 million loan through the State Revolving Loan Fund (SRF) to fund a Lake Mitchell dredging project, was narrowly approved by receiving 50.3% votes in ...
3 min read - USArgus Leader
Poll: Amendment to expand South Dakota abortion rights has nearly 20-point lead
Support for a 2024 ballot amendment that would enshrine abortion rights in the state constitution is growing.
11 min read - USArgus Leader
Incumbent Republican legislators suffer losses as pipelines and property rights surge to the fore
Voters also ousted two of the state’s Native American lawmakers, and brought back a Republican who once served as speaker of the House.
10 min read - USArgus Leader
Voters reject machine-counting ban in all three counties where it was on the ballot
Citizen groups petitioned the measures onto the ballots in an effort to ban vote-counting machines and force a switch to hand counting.
2 min read - USArgus Leader
'It was a bull rush': Minnehaha poll board denies activist's request to toss absentee ballots
Dejae Mikkelson, a volunteer supervisor of the precinct 5-16 polls, described the challenge as "intimidating."
5 min read - PoliticsArgus Leader
Recount could determine who joins Cole Heisey on Minnehaha commission ballot in November
Commission chair Dean Karsky narrowly took second place, but Roger Russell said he hadn't decided if he would call for a recount.
1 min read - USThe Daily Republic, Mitchell, S.D.
Voters choose same crew for Mitchell City Council as McCardle, Smith, Sabers win
Jun. 4—MITCHELL — Mitchell voters spoke and selected three candidates for three seats on the Mitchell City Council Tuesday night, picking Dan Sabers to represent Ward 1, Kevin McCardle to represent Ward 2 and Jeff Smith to represent Ward 4 to new three-year terms on the governing board. All three are incumbents that will return to the seats they held prior to the election. In the race for Ward ...
5 min read - WorldThe Daily Republic, Mitchell, S.D.
'Pumped to get to work' says mayor-elect Jordan Hanson, who became Mitchell's 36th mayor
Jun. 4—MITCHELL — After pouring time and money into his first campaign for an elected position, Jordan Hanson came out victorious. On Tuesday, Hanson became the 36th mayor of Mitchell at the age of 36. Reacting to the narrow win while surrounded by friends and family at The Back 40, Hanson said he is "so pumped to get work." "We know what we need to do, and we can bring Mitchell to its full ...
3 min read - USThe Daily Republic, Mitchell, S.D.
Republican primaries for House, Senate decided on Tuesday
Jun. 4—MITCHELL — Voters in some area communities went to the polls Tuesday to elect officials in legislative primaries for House and Senate seats, as well as city council and school board members. District 8 Counties: Brookings, Kingsbury, Lake, Miner Voters in the District 8 Republican Senate primary supported incumbent Casey Crabtree with 1,832 votes, or 71%, compared to challenger Rick ...
2 min read - USArgus Leader
Putnam, Otten chosen as Republican candidates for Lincoln County Commission
Putnam is a sure thing, since no Democrat emerged in the race, but Otten will face incumbent Democrat James Jibben in the Nov. 5 general election.
1 min read - PoliticsArgus Leader
Biden wins South Dakota Democratic presidential primary
With more than half of the state’s precincts fully reported at 9:40 p.m. Central time, Biden had garnered 75% of the vote.
1 min read - USThe Daily Republic, Mitchell, S.D.
South Dakota cannabis legalization initiative officially qualifies for November 2024 ballot
Jun. 3—PIERRE — The South Dakota Secretary of State announced Monday that the proposed initiated measure to legalize cannabis, sponsored by the leaders of South Dakotans for Better Marijuana Laws (SDBML), has officially qualified for the November 5, 2024 ballot. "We worked extremely hard on this signature drive and we are proud to have once again successfully qualified for the ballot," said ...
2 min read - USThe Daily Republic, Mitchell, S.D.
Still undecided or need more info before Tuesday's election?
Jun. 3—MITCHELL — In an unscientific, unofficial online survey conducted by the Mitchell Republic, a Lake Mitchell ballot measure that will be on Tuesday's citywide election was supported by the majority of respondents. The survey, which was on the Mitchell Republic's website for two weeks, was taken by 289 people. Of those, 160 voted to support the ballot measure to fund a loan to dredge Lake ...
1 min read - USThe Daily Republic, Mitchell, S.D.
Voters to determine city council, mayoral races, lake issue at June 4 election
Jun. 3—MITCHELL — Voters in Mitchell will decide a number of candidate races as well as a hotly-debated plan for Lake Mitchell when it heads to the polls Tuesday, June 4 for the primary election. With a three-way race for mayor, eight candidates vying for three seats in three different wards for the Mitchell City Council and a ballot issue that will determine the future plans for cleaning up ...
4 min read - PoliticsArgus Leader
Republican factions fighting for control of the party in Tuesday’s primary election
There are 44 Republican legislative primary races across the state, and only one Democratic legislative primary.
12 min read - USArgus Leader
By hand or machine: Tabulator bans go to voters in three South Dakota counties Tuesday
The votes – in Gregory, Haakon and Tripp counties – were forced by citizen-initiated petitions.
8 min read - USThe Daily Republic, Mitchell, S.D.
Gregory, Tripp counties to vote Tuesday on banning vote-counting machines for future elections
Jun. 2—WINNER, S.D. — Tuesday's primary election in South Dakota will include ballot questions in Gregory and Tripp counties regarding the use of vote-counting machines and whether to require election officials to hand count ballots in future elections. In both cases, a Yes vote is in support of prohibiting vote-counting machines and to require hand-counting of ballots. A No vote would allow ...
5 min read - USThe Daily Republic, Mitchell, S.D.
Mayoral candidate Terry Sabers aims to 'grow Mitchell' by focusing on affordable housing, working as a team
May 31—EDITOR'S NOTE — This story is the final of three profile stories on Mitchell's mayoral candidates to be published prior to the June 4 city election. MITCHELL — Throughout his four decades of working as the vice president of Muth Electric, Terry Sabers helped the Mitchell company grow from four employees to 400. The big growth he facilitated at Muth Electric is what he's aiming to bring ...
5 min read - USArgus Leader
Activists fail to convince SD Board of Elections to move toward hand-counting ballots
A Republican state Senate candidate, Rick Weible, of Elkton, petitioned the board for declaratory rulings.
1 min read - USThe Daily Republic, Mitchell, S.D.
Lake Mitchell ballot question latest in long line of pricey projects to be decided by city voters
May 24—MITCHELL — Mitchell voters will once again hold the fate of a large civic improvement effort in their hands when they head to the polls in June. In July 2023, the Mitchell City Council approved public vote on a proposed $25 million loan that would fund a Lake Mitchell dredging project. That vote will take place June 4 and continue a tradition of Mitchell voters determining how public ...
8 min read - BusinessArgus Leader
Sioux Falls school board candidates raised more than $62K during their campaigns
Though the school board election was over six weeks ago, new post-election campaign finance reports show the five candidates raised more than $62,000.
4 min read - WorldArgus Leader
Republican runs afoul of anti-abortion groups after labeling their phone calls a ‘scam’
The controversy started May 13 with a news release from South Dakota Secretary of State Monae Johnson, who oversees elections.
5 min read - PoliticsArgus Leader
Poll: Donald Trump has sizable lead in South Dakota but shy of 2016 and 2020 numbers
Trump was at 50%, well ahead of Biden’s 31% in the poll, which was also sponsored by the Chiesman Center for Democracy at the University of South Dakota.
6 min read - USArgus Leader
Nearly half of South Dakotans have unfavorable view of Gov. Kristi Noem, poll shows
The governor's favorability based on personal popularity was 39%, down 13 points from a similar poll conducted in October 2020.
9 min read - PoliticsArgus Leader
Top NRA positions rumored to be sought by Kristi Noem have been filled
A Noem spokesperson denied that she had spoken to Wayne LaPierre about the jobs and said "She loves her job as Governor of South Dakota."
2 min read - PoliticsArgus Leader
Sen. Rounds gets publisher to issue correction in Noem's book over claims he didn’t support Trump in 2016
Noem's book "No Going Back" falsely claims that Rounds called for Trump to drop out of the presidential race in late 2016.
3 min read - USArgus Leader
Anti-abortion group is behind calls labeled a ‘scam’ by South Dakota election official
Dell Rapids Republican state Rep. Jon Hansen said the phone calls are not harassment under state law.
7 min read - USThe Daily Republic, Mitchell, S.D.
Mitchell city election forum to be livestreamed on Tuesday night
May 13—MITCHELL — Candidates for municipal office and a ballot issue will be discussed in a public forum on Tuesday, May 14, sponsored by the Mitchell Area Chamber of Commerce. The forum will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 14 at the Sherman Center at Dakota Wesleyan University. The order of the forum will be as follows: * Mayor of Mitchell: Bob Everson, Jordan Hanson, and Terry Sabers. * ...
1 min read - USThe Daily Republic, Mitchell, S.D.
LIVESTREAM: Mitchell city election forum to be held on Tuesday night
May 13—MITCHELL — Candidates for municipal office and a ballot issue will be discussed in a public forum on Tuesday, May 14, sponsored by the Mitchell Area Chamber of Commerce. The forum will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 14 at the Sherman Center at Dakota Wesleyan University. The stream will pause between each round of the forum, and the forum will run until approximately 8 p.m. The ...
1 min read - USThe Daily Republic, Mitchell, S.D.
Attorney to Charles Mix County group: ACLU will file lawsuit with election petition changes
May 10—LAKE ANDES — A group of Charles Mix County residents who have lost trust in the election process urged their county commissioners to consider a petition that implements sweeping changes to local election laws. The petition sought to make numerous changes to Charles Mix County's election process, the most notable included requiring county election officials to hand count ballots and ...
4 min read - USArgus Leader
South Dakota's recreational marijuana campaign readies another ballot run
It's been a mad dash to the finish line for the pro-legalization group, which also had a hand in putting the issue on the ballot in 2020 and 2022.
3 min read - USArgus Leader
Keeping track of South Dakota ballot measures for 2024 election
Here’s a look at the status of South Dakota’s ballot measures for the November 2024 election now that the deadline for signatures has passed:
6 min read - USArgus Leader
Noem’s former opponents reject her claim that dog-killing story was widely known and used
“Everybody’s known that story for years,” Noem told Fox News. The governor made similar comments to Newsmax.
4 min read - USArgus Leader
Mayor TenHaken breaks tie to kill bill that would lower vote threshold in council elections
The proposal would have lowered the vote percentage needed to be elected to Sioux Falls council seats from 50% to 34%.
4 min read - USArgus Leader
Ballot groups are submitting petitions for open primaries and recreational marijuana
Backers of each ballot measure said they’re turning in petitions this week.
5 min read - USArgus Leader
Group submits abortion-rights ballot petitions as opponents pledge legal challenge
The ballot measure would amend the state constitution to legalize all abortions during the first trimester of pregnancy.
5 min read - USArgus Leader
Critic says Noem’s workforce ad campaign should be ‘as dead as Cricket’ after dog scandal
The governor’s dog-killing disclosure, which she shared in her upcoming book, “No Going Back,” has affected her brand.
5 min read - USArgus Leader
Richard Thomason wins At-Large C seat in Sioux Falls runoff election
New city councilors will begin their terms on May 21.
2 min read - WorldArgus Leader
Thomason, Deffenbaugh both report best fundraising cycle as council runoff election nears
Both candidates in the April 30 runoff election brought in their highest donation totals so far.
1 min read - USArgus Leader
South Dakota Senate's Republican power balance at stake: 5 primary races to watch
South Dakota Republicans are dealing with an intraparty schism between establishment “moderates” and far-right factions.
9 min read