Secretary of State releases voter information fact sheet

Talk about it

PIERRE — Secretary of State Jason Gant has released a fact sheet to address questions and reduce confusion about voting in Tuesday’s election.

The South Dakota Voter Information Portal also is available at www.sdsos.gov, giving voters the opportunity to look up pertinent information pertaining to voting.

Following is Gant’s fact sheet.

How do I find my polling place?

Access the Secretary of State’s website at www.sdsos.gov. Go to “Where Do I Vote?” and enter your first and last name and your date of birth. Click “Search.”

If I don’t vote on a candidate or question, will my other votes still get counted?

Yes, you are not required to cast a vote in every race or on every question. If you choose to leave a race or questions blank, the rest of the votes on your ballot will still be counted

What are the rules about campaigning in or near polling places?

State law prohibits electioneering within 100 feet of the entrance to a polling place. This means anyone who is advocating for the election or defeat of a candidate or a ballot issue must be at least 100 feet away from the entrance to the polling place.

What forms of ID can I use to vote?

Acceptable forms of ID include:

• South Dakota driver’s license or non-driver ID card;

• U.S. government photo ID;

• Current student photo ID from a South Dakota high school or South Dakota accredited institution of higher education;

• Tribal photo ID.

If you do not have a photo ID, you can sign a personal identification affidavit.

What times do the polls open and close?

The polls will be open on Election Day from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time.

How can I access a sample ballot prior to Tuesday?

Go to www.sdsos.gov. Find the space entitled “See Your Sample Ballot.” Click on “View Your Ballot.” Ballots can also be found at your county auditor’s office and will be published in local newspapers the week before the election.

How can I review the ballot measures before I vote?

The 2012 Ballot Questions can be viewed at www.sdsos.gov. Copies have also been distributed to county auditor offices and libraries across the state.

Has my legislative district changed due to the 2010 census?

Maps of all South Dakota legislative districts can be accessed at www.sdsos.gov. These maps were approved at the 2011 Special SD Legislative Session. Information can also be obtained from your local county auditor’s office.

What is the deadline for absentee voting?

The county auditor must receive your application for an absentee ballot no later than 3 p.m. on Election Day.

When is the voter registration deadline?

Registration for the Tuesday election closed Oct. 22.

I am registered to vote, but I’ve moved, and I didn’t get my voter registration updated by the deadline. Can I still vote?

Yes, you will still be able to vote at your old polling place.

How do I absentee vote?

Go to www.sdsos.gov. In the “Absentee Voting” section, you can complete and print out an absentee application. Sign it and mail to your county auditor. Either have the form notarized or include a copy of your photo ID with your application. You may also go to your county auditor’s office during business hours to vote.

Tags: election 2012, news, updates, state, voting