The interview above is from SDPB's daily public-affairs show, In the Moment.
The deadline to get on the 2022 ballot is coming to a close, but it's not too late to register to vote.
The deadline for members of political parties to get on the ballot was March 29. The deadline for independents is April 26.
Voter registration deadlines are May 23 for the primary election and Oct. 24 for the general election.
Steve Barnett is South Dakota's secretary of state. He says South Dakota's laws and procedures work well and do a good job of keeping voters' confidence in the integrity of elections high.
"We have paper ballots. Our tabulators that count the ballots, at the county level, those tabulators are not connected to the internet, nor do they even have the capability of being connected to the internet."
Barnett says you can find out more information about the upcoming election on the secretary of state's website.
How to register to vote
Print this form, fill it out, sign it and then mail it or deliver it to your county auditor.
This form, with an original signature, must be received by the auditor 15 days before any election.
South Dakota law does not allow you to submit your voter registration form via fax or email.
Register in person at the following locations:
- County auditor's office.
- Driver's license station (when you are renewing or applying for a driver's license, you may also register to vote on the driver's license application).
- City finance office.
- Public assistance agencies providing food stamps, TANF or WIC.
- Department of Human Services offices which provide assistance to the disabled.
- Military recruitment offices.
To register to vote in South Dakota, you must:
- Be a United States citizen (South Dakota Constitution, Article VII, Section 2).
- Reside in South Dakota (residency defined).
- Be at least 18 years old on or before the next election.
- Not be currently serving a sentence for a felony conviction that included imprisonment, served or suspended, in an adult penitentiary system (See additional felony information).
- Not be judged mentally incompetent by a court of law.
