As South Dakota gears up for its primary elections on June 2, 2026, county auditors statewide are grappling with implementing the new voter ID rules stemming from Senate Bill 175, passed in the 2026 legislative session. This legislation mandates new voters to provide proof of citizenship, yet the guidelines from the secretary of state have left room for varied interpretations.
The secretary of state’s website lists documents like passports and birth certificates as valid forms of proof. However, it is the South Dakota driver’s licenses that are causing a stir, as they now include an indication of U.S. citizenship status following Senate Bill 75 from 2025.
Amy Scott-Stoltz, president of the League of Women Voters of South Dakota, expresses concern over the inconsistency: “They’re trying to follow the secretary of state’s guidelines, but the vagueness has led to certain issues,” Scott-Stoltz told News Watch. “Different auditors interpret that differently.”
While some counties require the physical presentation of a driver’s license, others accept photocopies, demonstrating a lack of uniformity in the approach.
Amy Scott-Stoltz
Hughes County Finance Officer Thomas Oliva insists on seeing the physical driver’s license. “The main reasoning behind that is because it’s the back of the license. There’s no other identifying information on the back we can tie back to that person, so we felt it’s in the best interest to see the physical card,” Oliva said.
Thomas Oliva
Conversely, Harding County Auditor Kathy Glines accepts photocopies but advises voters to contact her office before mailing them.
The communication from the secretary of state’s office has added to the uncertainty because voters who lack the necessary citizenship documentation are classified as ‘Federal Only’ voters. This designation, while informative, falls short of a comprehensive explanation, as Oliva noted, “While the letter does inform the voter of their status, it does not provide a clear explanation as to why they were designated as such.”
In an effort to clarify matters, Oliva drafted a letter guiding those classified under ‘Federal Only’ status on how to rectify their registration issue by providing eligible documentation.
Amendment J, another focal point on the November ballot, has come under scrutiny as it aims to amend the South Dakota Constitution to disqualify non-U.S. citizens explicitly from voting. State Attorney General Marty Jackley has issued a draft explanation for this measure, which has been open to public comment until May 8.
As early and absentee voting progresses, the primary election seems to be moving ahead smoothly, albeit with some delays. The county auditors have emphasized that already registered voters do not need to provide additional documentation, a common misconception that needs addressing to ensure voter awareness and encouragement in participating in their civic duty.
Stacy Pinney, Haakon County Auditor, stated, “I’m going to make it a policy in my office that I want to see the actual card. If I have to verify it, I want to see the real deal.”
Stacy Pinney
In response to the diverse approaches among the counties, the need for clear, authoritative guidance from state officials is more crucial than ever. The outcome of these consultations and public comments on Amendment J will be vital in shaping South Dakota’s electoral landscape moving forward.
As the discussion continues, South Dakota remains a testament to the complexities of executing voter ID laws efficiently while respecting diversity in interpretations and ensuring all eligible citizens can exercise their right to vote without hindrance.