Has South Dakota ever held a vote to eliminate daylight saving time?

South Dakota voters shot down an attempt to eliminate daylight saving time in a referendum in 1968, with 59% voting against the measure.

Two states – Hawaii and Arizona – observe standard time year-round. Nineteen states have voted to permanently observe daylight saving time year-round, but federal law only allows for standard time to be permanent. 

South Dakota state Rep. Carl Perry, R-Aberdeen, introduced legislation to permanently end daylight saving time in the state in 2025, but a committee rejected the plan 8-1.

Supporters of the proposal said it would improve sleep, health, public safety and avoid students having to adjust to the new time and losing focus at school.

Rep. John Sjaarda, R-Valley Springs, opposed the plan, saying daylight saving time is better for farmers.

Daylight saving time this year, where clocks “fall back” an hour to standard time, ends on Nov. 2.