How this guide is made

Constitutional Amendments

Official ballot wording is added only after it is checked word for word against the official file, so it is not shown yet. The pro and con statements in the official pamphlet are written by supporters and opponents, not by the state. The "what your vote means" lines and plain-words summaries are ours, and each line links to its source.

Candidates

The list of races and candidates is the Secretary of State's official candidate list for the November 3, 2026 general election ↗, in the order of the Secretary of State's candidate list (your ballot may list them in a different order), with names as they appear on the ballot. Where a candidate lives comes from news voter guides and campaign sites; the Secretary of State's list does not show it. Each profile lists checkable facts with links to where they came from, the candidate's own stated priorities clearly labeled as theirs, and links to official records and campaign finance filings. We don't rate candidates, list endorsements, or publish polling.

Counties and local questions

This guide does not cover county and local races or local questions yet. Your sample ballot lists everything you will vote on.

Districts

District lines on the map come from U.S. Census Bureau files of the South Dakota's legislative district map in use for the 2026 election. Your sample ballot is the final word.