PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota saw historically low voter participation in Tuesday’s general election, with just 49 percent of registered voters casting ballots, according to the Secretary of State’s Office.
The turnout marks the lowest general election participation rate recorded in the state since at least 1964, surpassing the previous low of 52 percent set in 2010.
University of South Dakota political science professor Julia Hellwege says the low turnout is concerning because democracy depends on public engagement. She points to a lack of highly competitive statewide races, voter fatigue following the Republican gubernatorial primary and runoff, and confusion over ballot measures as possible factors that kept voters at home.
Oglala Lakota County recorded the state’s lowest turnout at 29 percent, followed by Corson, Ziebach, Dewey, and Todd counties. Meanwhile, Jones County led the state with 72 percent turnout.
More than 20 counties reported turnout below 50 percent, including Pennington and Minnehaha counties, South Dakota’s two most populous counties.
Political analysts say the results highlight ongoing challenges in keeping voters engaged during non-presidential election years.
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