Committee advances bill that would tighten candidate deadlines for upcoming election
South Dakotans hoping to run in the June primary election this year could have less time to circulate their nominating petitions, based on a bill making its way through the legislative process.
Rep. Rebecca Reimer, R-Chamberlain, introduced a bill that would change the nominating petition deadline to the third Tuesday in March, rather than various dates currently in statute, including March 31 for some candidates.
A nominating petition signed by registered voters is required for local and statewide South Dakota candidates to get on the ballot, with signature thresholds varying by position. Prospective candidates can begin circulating petitions in January.
“South Dakota gives petitioners more time to collect signatures than it allows the election workers to prepare for the election and create a ballot,” Reimer said.
https://southdakotasearchlight.com/2026/02/02/committee-passes-bill-tighten-candidate-deadlines-upcoming-election/