South Dakota election news
- 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 - WorldArgus Leader
Mayor TenHaken says moving Sioux Falls elections to June could get more people to the polls
The "abysmal" turnout for the April 9 election has some, including Mayor Paul TenHaken, wondering if the city's election dates need to change.
4 min read - USThe Daily Republic, Mitchell, S.D.
Vision for the Corn Palace, Lake Mitchell, council relations highlight key topics at early mayoral debate
Apr. 24—EDITOR'S NOTE — The order of response from each candidate in this story was determined by the order they spoke during the debate. MITCHELL — The trio of candidates running for mayor squared off for the first time on Wednesday in a debate that revealed each of them have vastly different goals and outlooks on major issues facing Mitchell. Mayor Bob Everson, Terry Sabers and Jordan Hanson ...
9 min read - USArgus Leader
Group says it’s filing petition signatures to put grocery tax repeal on ballot
The ballot initiative would repeal the state sales tax on anything sold for human consumption, except alcoholic beverages and prepared food.
3 min read - OpinionArgus Leader
Dusty Johnson's grown more extreme; the real independent voter issue: Your letters
"It is impossible to vote when there is no candidate in your chosen party to vote for."
5 min read - USArgus Leader
Sioux Falls mayor talks growth, importance of elections in State of the City address
TenHaken expressed worry about the potential repeal of the state's groceries sales tax, saying it could lead to reduced revenue or a state income tax.
3 min read - USThe Daily Republic, Mitchell, S.D.
On narrow second vote, voters approve reorganization of Colome Consolidated School District
Apr. 10—COLOME, S.D. — Voters with the Colome Consolidated School District Tuesday approved a district reorganization plan that will see the communities of Wood and Witten split from the district. Voters approved the reorganization plan by a vote of 188-178, or 51.4% to 48.6% with a 39.2% voter turnout. A simple majority was needed to pass the ballot item. It was the second time the district ...
7 min read - USArgus Leader
Cost of South Dakota workforce ads starring Kristi Noem rises to $9 million
Some lawmakers have criticized a lack of clear data demonstrating the workforce campaign’s effectiveness or lack thereof.
4 min read - WorldArgus Leader
Marc Murren, Gail Swenson elected to Sioux Falls school board
Marc Murren and Gail Swenson were both elected to two-year terms on the Sioux Falls school board in Tuesday's joint city and school board election.
3 min read - USArgus Leader
Thomason, Deffenbaugh head to runoff in At-Large C race as Basye wins in Northeast
The four new councilors will officially begin their terms of office on May 21.
5 min read - PoliticsArgus Leader
From fringe to foreground: ‘Loose cannon’ lawmaker departs as leading legislative voice
Schoenbeck said there’s a simple reason he’s been willing to speak his mind when others were afraid: “I don’t care if I lose an election.”
10 min read - USArgus Leader
Sioux Falls school board candidates take on final debate before Election Day
The five candidates running for two school board seats had one more chance to debate the issues before the polls open Tuesday. Here's what they said.
4 min read - USArgus Leader
Sioux Falls City Council election: 6 questions with candidates for the At-Large C seat
With the election set for April 9, the Argus Leader asked At-Large C council candidates to respond to six questions about what they'd do if elected.
9 min read - USArgus Leader
Sioux Falls City Council election: 6 questions with candidates for the Northeast seat
With the election set for April 9, the Argus Leader asked Northeast council candidates to respond to six questions about what they'd do if elected.
17 min read - USArgus Leader
Election Day round-up: Your entire Sioux Falls voter guide is here
If you need a refresher, here's a recap of all that's unfolded in the last few months, from how to vote to who has said what for each race.
5 min read - USArgus Leader
Spending shifts into high gear as Sioux Falls council election draws near
With two days until the election, some candidates are spending big.
4 min read - USThe Daily Republic, Mitchell, S.D.
Who's ready to hit the polls? Voters to decide local races at upcoming regional elections
Apr. 7—Voters are gearing up to decide several municipal and school board races when they head to the polls next week and beyond. Following is a list of races around the Mitchell area. Freeman will see an election for its board of education as well as for the positions of mayor and two city council wards. In the race for the Freeman Board of Education, three candidates will vie for two open ...
3 min read - PoliticsArgus Leader
South Dakota Republicans to battle through dozens of contested primary elections in 2024
Already, the Republican primary election is shaping up to have several contested legislative races, showing GOP competition for 27 House and 17 Senate seats.
4 min read - OpinionArgus Leader
How open primarys could help SD; a thank you from a veteran: Your letters
"I believe I have reached the age of 83 because of the last 30 years being treated by that very fine hospital."
9 min read - USArgus Leader
Sioux Falls school board candidates file campaign finance paperwork with $48K in donations
More than $48,000 have already poured into campaign accounts for the upcoming April 9 school board election, according to campaign finance reports.
6 min read - USThe Daily Republic, Mitchell, S.D.
Three candidates set to run in Mitchell mayoral race, while field of council candidates expands
Mar. 26—MITCHELL — As the June 4 election citywide nears, the field of candidates running for mayor and the four Mitchell City Council seats are set. Three candidates are running for mayor. The three-way mayoral race includes Mayor Bob Everson, Jordan Hanson and Terry Sabers. The deadline to file nominating petitions for the mayoral and city council elections was Tuesday, March 26. Everson is ...
2 min read - USArgus Leader
State accidentally told independent candidates they needed more signatures than necessary
State officials unintentionally led some potential legislative candidates to believe they needed hundreds more signatures than state law requires.
3 min read - USArgus Leader
Two new Sioux Falls city councilors won’t be on the ballot in April. Who are they?
Two city council races will go uncontested this election cycle — who are the two councilors taking on those seats?
5 min read - PoliticsArgus Leader
Donald Trump calls Kristi Noem to podium at Ohio rally, comments on her appearance
Trump’s speech included a “bloodbath” prediction that has drawn widespread criticism from his opponents.
2 min read - USArgus Leader
Council candidates lay out how they would improve Sioux Falls during Thursday's debate
Sioux Falls City Council hopefuls gathered on Thursday to discuss topics at a public forum. Here's what they said.
4 min read - USArgus Leader
Vouchers, DEI, books: Sioux Falls school board candidates give hot takes ahead of Election Day
“We need to send to the polls on April 9th at least 26,000 voters who care about the students in this school district,” the moderator said.
6 min read - PoliticsThe Daily Republic, Mitchell, S.D.
Noem on potentially being Trump VP: 'I just want him to win'
Mar. 13—MITCHELL — It is a question on the mind political operatives around the United States: Should Gov. Kristi Noem land the position of the vice presidential candidate on a ticket with Donald Trump when he runs for a second term as president later this year? The question was also on the mind of Grace Hempel, a junior at Mitchell High School, who was on hand with dozens of others for the ...
3 min read - WorldThe Daily Republic, Mitchell, S.D.
Petitions funneling in for Mitchell City Council election, while mayoral race up to three candidates
Mar. 13—MITCHELL — The field of candidates running for seats on the Mitchell City Council has expanded over the past few days. Sarah Deakins filed a petition for the Ward 1 council seat on the June 4 ballot. As of Wednesday, Deakins, an advertising representative at a local radio station, is the lone candidate to file a petition for Ward 1. Dan Sabers currently holds the Ward 1 council seat ...
2 min read - USArgus Leader
Exiting Sioux Falls city councilors concerned to see their seats going uncontested
“I would encourage people in the future to engage a bit,” Marshall Selberg said. “I hope more people take more of an active role in their city.”
6 min read - USThe Daily Republic, Mitchell, S.D.
Terry Sabers entering Mitchell's mayoral race, while McCardle decides to seek re-election on council
Mar. 8—MITCHELL — A new candidate has entered Mitchell's mayoral race. Terry Sabers, the former co-president of Muth Electric, confirmed Friday that he is running for mayor. Sabers said he plans to file his nominating petition on Monday. With Sabers entering the race, the field of mayoral candidates on the June 4 ballot grows to three. Mayor Bob Everson and Jordan Hanson, a local real estate ...
1 min read - USThe Daily Republic, Mitchell, S.D.
Flood, Ruml file petitions to run for Mitchell Board of Education
Mar. 8—MITCHELL — Two members of the Mitchell Board of Education have filed their petitions to run for re-election to the local governing body. Mitchell School District officials confirmed Friday that Shawn Ruml and Brittni Flood had both returned their petitions and that those petitions had been verified. Their names will now appear on the ballot for the joint city-school election June 4. ...
1 min read - USArgus Leader
Thomason, Basye have financial advantage as council election approaches
With two of the council's four races already decided, much of the city's focus will be on the At-Large C and Northeast council seats.
3 min read - USThe Daily Republic, Mitchell, S.D.
Bob Everson, Jordan Hanson file petitions for Mitchell mayoral race
Mar. 4—MITCHELL — Two petitions for Mitchell's mayoral election have been filed. City officials confirmed Monday that Mitchell Mayor Bob Everson and Jordan Hanson have filed mayoral petitions. The candidates will be on the June 4 election ballot. Hanson is a local entrepreneur who regularly attends Mitchell City Council meetings. A third mayoral candidate could soon be entering the race, if ...
2 min read - PoliticsArgus Leader
Noem to decide on bill that would allow people to remove signatures from ballot petitions
HB1244 creates a process for someone to remove their signature from a ballot measure petition.
2 min read - OpinionArgus Leader
In 2024 election, Republicans are embracing the baggage Trump brings: Your letters
Here are your letters to the editor for the week.
11 min read - USThe Daily Republic, Mitchell, S.D.
Flood, Ruml take out petitions to run for Mitchell Board of Education
Mar. 1—MITCHELL — The first nominating petitions to run for election to the Mitchell Board of Education in 2024 have been taken out. Mitchell School District officials confirmed Friday that Shawn Ruml and Brittni Flood, both of whom currently serve on the board, picked up petitions to run for another term. March 1 is the first day potential candidates can begin circulating petitions. Flood and ...
1 min read - USArgus Leader
South Dakota election officials say verbal abuse is common as lawmakers reject bill to protect them
The bill passed a state Senate committee 8-0, the full Senate 23-10 and a House committee 8-5. Then it failed 24-46 on Tuesday in the House.
4 min read - USThe Daily Republic, Mitchell, S.D.
Young retires after 29 years of service as Davison County Register of Deeds
Feb. 29—MITCHELL — A familiar face at the Davison County Register of Deeds office is stepping down from her position. Deb Young, who has served as the register of deeds for the county since 1995, retired on Thursday, bringing an end to decades of public service that saw her serve thousands of members of the public handling public documents of all kinds, from wedding licenses to land transfers. ...
4 min read - PoliticsArgus Leader
McConnell is stepping down as Senate minority leader. Could John Thune take his place?
Mitch McConnell announced his intent to step down as Senate minority leader on Wednesday morning. All eyes are likely to be on Sen. John Thune.
3 min read - PoliticsArgus Leader
Bill to ban misleading sample ballots dies in committee after SD senator links it to Putin
Sen. Lee Schoenbeck, R-Watertown, said the intent of the bill was to intimidate South Dakotans from going to the voting booth.
2 min read - USArgus Leader
South Dakota voters to weigh in on work requirements for Medicaid expansion in November
South Dakotans will weigh in on if the Medicaid expansion population should be subject to work requirements in the November election.
3 min read - USThe Daily Republic, Mitchell, S.D.
Longest-serving Mitchell City Council members Jeff Smith, Marty Barington to seek re-election
Feb. 26—MITCHELL — A pair of longtime Mitchell City Council members will be on the ballot again in June. Marty Barington and Jeff Smith have both decided to seek re-election. The two council members, who have been on the council since 2006, confirmed Monday they are both eyeing another term on June 4. Unlike previous years, Smith and Barington were leaning against running for another term. ...
3 min read - USThe Daily Republic, Mitchell, S.D.
City council president indicates possible run for mayor, straw poll vote on lake dredging angers residents
Feb. 23—MITCHELL — In a heated exchange with the mayor during Tuesday's Mitchell City Council meeting, Council President Kevin McCardle made an unexpected announcement that he's considering a run for mayor. "Maybe that's why I should run for mayor," McCardle said as he and Mayor Bob Everson were in disagreement with another over reducing the city's loan amount to fund the proposed Lake ...
3 min read - USArgus Leader
8 people are running for Sioux Falls City Council: What to know
Eight candidates have filed to be on the ballot in the April 9 election.
4 min read - USArgus Leader
City council hopeful Neil Jeske calls Sioux Falls' government 'tyrannical'
Neil Jeske's website compares Mayor Paul TenHaken to Nancy Pelosi and criticizes him for having staff from California.
2 min read - PoliticsArgus Leader
South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem on Donald Trump's VP shortlist, he says at town hall
Former President Donald Trump acknowledged in a town hall Tuesday night that at least six names are on his shortlist for vice president.
3 min read - PoliticsThe Daily Republic, Mitchell, S.D.
Trump confirms Gov. Kristi Noem a potential VP selection
Feb. 21—South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem is on former President Donald Trump's shortlist as a potential running mate in the general election. During a Tuesday night, Feb. 20 town hall on Fox News, Trump confirmed Noem is on the list of vice president candidates during an interview with host Laura Ingraham. Ingraham listed high-profile Republicans Ron DeSantis, Tim Scott, Vivek Ramaswamy, Byron ...
1 min read - PoliticsArgus Leader
'Hijacked' primary process bill for AG, SOS passes Senate, kicks over to House
It's the fourth time since 2023 and the third time during the 2024 Legislative session that Republicans have tried to change the nomination process.
3 min read - USArgus Leader
Dakotans for Health threatens lawsuit over South Dakota signature withdrawal bill
If successful, the legislation would make South Dakota one of five states with a codified process for revocation of petition signatures.
6 min read - USArgus Leader
Computer coding error snags South Dakota voter rolls
Only residents of South Dakota’s nine largest counties were impacted because of the state’s numbering system for counties based on population.
6 min read - PoliticsArgus Leader
South Dakota could allow people to remove signatures from ballot petitions
The bill passed out of committee Wednesday, 11-1.
2 min read - PoliticsArgus Leader
Bill could make it illegal to spread misleading ballot information in South Dakota
Despite being called politically motivated, the House State Affairs Committee passed a bill to ban misleading ballot information.
2 min read - PoliticsArgus Leader
Third time isn't the charm for primary nomination process for South Dakota AG, SOS
Over two legislative days, House Republicans fought over a proposal that would change the convention nomination process for two offices to a primary election.
4 min read - USArgus Leader
Supporters and critics of abortion rights square off over ballot initiative language
The man leading the effort to get a ballot initiative codifying the right to abortion faced heavy questioning during a committee meeting Wednesday.
5 min read - PoliticsArgus Leader
Third time the charm for South Dakota bill that would ditch a convention for a primary?
Rep. Tyler Tordsen, R-Sioux Falls, said the bill heard Monday morning was the product of weeks of conversation and collaboration.
3 min read - PoliticsArgus Leader
Bill allowing SD Native American voter registration with tribal ID cards passes committee
The secretary of state supports the bill, as do representatives from the Yankton and Rosebud Sioux tribes.
2 min read - USArgus Leader
South Dakota elections: Key dates to know for 2024
From county to state, to national, South Dakotans should have these primary and general election dates circled on their calendars:
2 min read - USArgus Leader
Some Sioux Falls City Council candidates already have thousands in donations
With two and a half months until the April 9 election, potential council candidates are already raising funds and spending on their campaigns.
4 min read - USArgus Leader
South Dakota lawmakers vote down effort to make some election data a public record
The bill would've made cast vote records public in South Dakota.
2 min read - PoliticsArgus Leader
Kristi Noem for vice president? Donald Trump supporters think it's 'awesome'
South Dakota's governor, who served as a Trump surrogate on the Iowa campaign trail, has not concealed her interest in joining the ticket.
8 min read - PoliticsArgus Leader
South Dakota Senate committee approves bill to protect poll workers from threats
SB 20 would create a misdemeanor penalty if someone directly or indirectly threatened a poll worker with the intent to influence an election.
2 min read - PoliticsArgus Leader
South Dakota Republicans attempt to change candidate nomination process again
The resolution would have had voters decide if certain statewide offices should have a primary contest rather than a nomination.
3 min read - USArgus Leader
Activist wants to be first Native American to serve on Sioux Falls City Council
Allison Renville is running for the At-Large C seat, the third candidate to announce their interest in the seat being vacated by Alex Jensen.
2 min read - USArgus Leader
Former GOED marketing director said state had mind made up on Freedom Works Here campaign
"...it was known and if I were to say relatively obvious that Go West was the favorite and the preferred," Nate Welch said.
4 min read - PoliticsArgus Leader
New poll shows democracy and elections in doubt in South Dakota
The poll of random registered voters showed that 68.2% of respondents saying American democracy is "under attack" and 25.8% saying it is "being tested."
5 min read - USArgus Leader
Education, taxes, crime: Notable bills filed ahead of South Dakota’s 2024 legislative session
The 99th South Dakota legislative session kicks off Tuesday.
6 min read - PoliticsArgus Leader
Noem challenges Iowans to fight for Trump during Iowa Caucus stump speech in Sioux City
During her 30-minute speech, Noem challenged the audience to have conversations with their neighbors about caucusing for former President Donald Trump.
6 min read - USArgus Leader
Gov. Kristi Noem, Sioux Falls school board candidates among Argus Leader’s 2024 people to watch
How elected leaders respond to what residents want as a whole will be top of the list for people to watch as the new year unfolds.
7 min read - USArgus Leader
Minnehaha County auditor salary discussion veers into 'mob mentality,' 'election denialism' discourse
The Argus Leader spoke to people on both sides of a heated discussion over whether to raise a controversial Minnehaha County auditor's salary.
9 min read - PoliticsArgus Leader
Gov. Noem to speak at 'Team Trump Iowa MAGA' event after new year
Caucus Day in Iowa is Jan. 15.
3 min read - USArgus Leader
Commissioner: Minnehaha County auditor's performance 'unprofessional' and 'embarrassing'
Commissioner Joe Kippley floated the idea of approving salary increases to all elected department heads except County Auditor Leah Anderson.
7 min read - USArgus Leader
Minnehaha County auditor responds to criticism of her comments on county's voting system
State Dems have criticized Leah Anderson for comments she made in a Dec. 4 call where she said she couldn't say she trusted the county's voting system
4 min read - USArgus Leader
Jamie Smith announces intention to run for South Dakota Senate in District 15
Jamie Smith, who ran for Governor in 2022, will run for the SD Senate seat currently held by Sen. Reynold Nesiba.
5 min read - USArgus Leader
South Dakota voter registration guide: How to check voter registration status, what to know
The primary is June 4, while the general election is Nov. 5, 2024.
1 min read - USArgus Leader
SD Democrats criticize Minnehaha County auditor for comments on county voting system
"It is inappropriate for the Minnehaha County Auditor to sow distrust in the integrity of state and local elections," said Erik Muckey in a statement.
6 min read - USArgus Leader
Minnehaha County auditor says she’s not sure she can trust county’s voting system
Leah Anderson repeatedly criticized the county’s election vendor and the Secretary of State in a call that she later revealed was being broadcast.
9 min read - USArgus Leader
Abortion rights groups don’t support ballot measure that aims to restore abortion access
The groups say they have concerns about the measure’s language and the way it was drafted.
8 min read - USArgus Leader
Yes, Sioux Falls councilors can accept gifts, but an updated ethics policy now clarifies how.
City Councilor Greg Neitzert said he's been working on the changes to the ordinance for more than a year.
3 min read
