‘Losing our voice’: South Dakota general election turnout falls to historic low

By: Makenzie Huber

Outlets: South Dakota Searchlight

Published: November 4, 2026

Words: 285

Last Updated: 5 days, 4 hours ago

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South Dakota’s general election voter turnout dropped to a historic low Tuesday, with 49% of registered voters casting a ballot.

Turnout is generally lower in non-presidential election years, according to data from the Secretary of State’s Office dating to 1964. The state’s previous low for a general election was 52% in 2010.

University of South Dakota political science associate professor Julia Hellwege called the 2026 turnout “exceptionally small.”

“It means …

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