Monday is the deadline to register as a South Dakota voter in the upcoming midterm elections. The governorship and two seats in Washington DC, among other positions, are up for vote in November.
Election Day is November eighth and absentee voting is already underway in South Dakota.
Janna Farley is communications director for the ACLU of South Dakota and said now is the time to register if you haven’t already.
“South Dakota is fortunate that we don’t have extreme voter laws like other states that are disenfranchising voters, but it’s still important to know the basics," Farley said. "To know the basics like where your polling location is. What to do if you’re not listed on the roster when you get to your polling place.”
Farley reminds of South Dakotas voter ID policies.
“You do need to bring an ID to your polling place – a valid proof of identification," Farley said. "Now, if you are voting without identification however, you can sign a personal identification affidavit. So that is something you should know too before walking into your polling place. Like you lost your drivers license, ‘what do I do?’ Well, you could sign that personal identification affidavit.”
Farley also encouraged voting early.
“You can do it now, if you don’t want to wait in line at your polling place on Election Day, yeah definitely go and vote ahead of time," Farley said. "Anyone can cast your ballot before Election Day, you don’t have to have an excuse. As in you don’t have to say, ‘I’m working a full day on November eighth’, you can just vote early.”
The ACLU also recommends voters take their time, know the location and hours of your polling location, and to not be afraid to ask for help in the booth.
Additional information for voters can be found at ACLUSD.org/vote