Training Requirement: South Dakota does not require training for registration drives.
Notification and Registration Requirements: South Dakota does not have notification requirements for registration drives, but all private entities and individuals registering voters must provide the voter their contact information.
Compensation Restrictions: Do not pay registration drive volunteers/staff based on how many registrations they collect. It is illegal in the state. Persons may be hired on a salaried or hourly basis. Do not incentivize people to register with anything of monetary value.
Additional information on conducting a voter registration drive can be found here: sdsos.gov/elections-voting/voting/register-to-vote/voter-registration-drive-instructions.aspx
State Form: The state mail-in voter registration application can be downloaded from the State Board of Elections website here: sdsos.gov/elections-voting/assets/VoterRegistrationFormFillable.pdf
Federal Form: The federal mail-in voter registration application may be used in voter registration drives: eac.gov/voters/national-mail-voter-registration-form/
Mailing address: Elections, Secretary of State 500 E. Capitol Pierre, SD 57501-5070
Photocopying Blank Forms: Blank applications may be photocopied and used in voter registration drives.
Providing Contact Information: All private entities and individuals registering voters must provide the voter with their contact information.
Incomplete Applications: Make sure applicants fully complete applications, but do not fill in any missing information on a registration form unless you have express permission from the applicant.
Documentary Proof of Citizenship: South Dakota has a new law (as of March 26, 2026) that requires those registering to vote to provide proof of U.S. citizenship when submitting a voter registration application in order to vote in state and local election. Acceptable documents are listed here: sdsos.gov/elections-voting/voting/register-to-vote/default.aspx. Further guidance from the Secretary of State is here: sdsos.gov/elections-voting/voting/register-to-vote/voter-registration-drive-instructions.aspx.
Submission methods differ depending on the type of document:
The Secretary of State recommends that registration drive organizers coordinate with the county auditor in advance, so that voters who have documentary proof of citizenship can present it to the county auditor at the event.
If the applicant does not have documentary proof of citizenship or does not provide it when they submit their application, they will only be able to vote in federal elections. To vote in state and local elections, the voter must follow-up with their county auditor to provide proof of citizenship before the voter registration deadline (15 days before an election).
Please contact your local election official for more information on this requirement and appropriate means for voter registration drives to assist voters in meeting the requirement. County Auditor information may be found here: vip.sdsos.gov/CountyAuditors.aspx
Photocopying Completed Applications: There is no law or rule prohibiting photocopying or retaining information from completed registration applications. A voter’s date of birth, signature, full or partial Social Security Number, and driver’s license number should be removed before copying any application.
Submitting Completed Applications: Any private entity or individual registering voter(s) must file completed registration forms with the county auditor within 10 days or by the voter registration deadline, whichever occurs first. State applications can be mailed to the appropriate county auditor. County Auditor information may be found here: vip.sdsos.gov/CountyAuditors.aspx
Fair Elections Center and its Campus Vote Project intend the information contained herein to be used only as a general guide. This document should not be used as a substitute for consultation with a licensed South Dakota legal professional.
Last updated May 2026