Welcome to the portal for Ballotpedia's coverage of South Dakota politics! Ballotpedia's encyclopedic coverage of South Dakota politics includes information on the local, state and federal levels, as well as state policies.

South Dakota, nicknamed "The Mount Rushmore State," is bordered byMinnesota,Iowa,North Dakota,Nebraska,Montana andWyoming. It was the 40th state admitted to the Union. WhilePierre is South Dakota’s capital,Sioux Falls is South Dakota’s largest city.

South Dakota has two members of theU.S. Senate, one member of theU.S. House of Representatives, 35 members of theState Senate and 70 members of theHouse of Representatives.

State Leadership

Governor

Larry Rhoden

Capital:

Pierre

Motto:

Under God, the People Rule

Population:

887,770

Land Area of State:

75,808 square miles

Admitted to U.S.:

1889

South Dakota Elections

South Dakota 2026 elections: U.S. Senate • U.S. House • Governor • Lt. Gov • Attorney General • Secretary of State • State executive offices • State Senate • State House • Supreme court • State ballot measures • Candidate ballot access

South Dakota elections, 2027
Past elections:2025 •2024 •2023 •2022 •2021 •2020 •2019 •2018 •2017 •2016 •2015 •2014

Voting in South Dakota

Ballotpedia

Federal politics

South Dakota state politics

Local politics in South Dakota

Cities and counties in South Dakota

Ballotpedia provides comprehensive election coverage in the100 largest U.S. cities by population and also covers mayoral, city council, and district attorney elections in every state capital. Additionally, Ballotpedia covers school board elections in the200 largest U.S. school districts by enrollment.PierreHowever, Ballotpedia is providing expanded, comprehensive local election coverage in South Dakota in 2026.Click here to find your county.