Do SD voters become ‘inactive’ after not casting a ballot for 4 years?

South Dakota voters can be placed in “inactive status” if they go four consecutive years without voting, updating their voter registration information or responding to a confirmation mailing.

If they haven’t voted in the previous four years, the voter will be sent a confirmation postcard. If the postcard is not returned within 30 days, the voter’s registration will become inactive. 

If a voter placed in inactive status doesn’t cast a ballot by the second general election following the confirmation mailing, their registration will be cancelled.

Voters can request an absentee ballot through their local county auditor, and South Dakota law requires eligible voters’ ballots to be sent within 48 hours of the request. 

State law allows voters on the inactive registration list to vote absentee after completing an affirmation of their address.

Absentee voting in South Dakota begins on Sept. 18, and the voter registration deadline is Oct. 19.