Codington County Auditor Brenda Hanten Updates Voters on Absentee Ballots, New Citizenship Laws, and Polling Changes (Audio/Video)
- Steve Jurrens
- 10 hours ago
- 3 min read
Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - As the 2026 primary election cycle enters full swing, Codington County Auditor Brenda Hanten joined news broadcaster Steve Jurrens on Northeast Radio SD on Monday to provide critical updates for residents ahead of the June 2nd Primary.
In a wide-ranging interview, Hanten addressed recent delays in ballot production, clarified new state laws on voter registration, and announced a change to polling locations for Sheridan Township voters.
Absentee Voting Now “In Full Swing”
Following minor administrative hurdles that caused a brief delay in the release of ballots, Hanten confirmed that the absentee voting period is now officially open. The delay was attributed to a combination of legislative calendar quirks—specifically the occurrence of five Tuesdays in March—and the Easter holiday, which created a condensed timeline for the Secretary of State’s office to certify candidates and for local offices to approve ballot proofs.
“The ballots are here... they were able to start voting last Thursday afternoon. Everything’s ready to go, and we’ve already had individuals in for absentee voting. It’s in full swing right now.”
Voters have three primary methods to cast an absentee ballot: appearing in person at the Auditor’s office, requesting a ballot by mail, or, for homebound individuals, utilizing a designated messenger. Hanten reminded those voting by mail to act quickly due to recent mail service delays. “The sooner the better, just so you don’t miss that deadline to get them back in the office,” she urged.
New Requirements: Senate Bill 175 and Proof of Citizenship
A major focus of the update was implementing Senate Bill 175, which introduces new documentation requirements for specific classes of voters. According to Hanten, anyone registering to vote in South Dakota for the first time, individuals moving in from out of state, or those previously removed from the voter rolls must now provide proof of U.S. citizenship.
Accepted documents include a birth certificate, a U.S. passport, or a tribal ID. Hanten clarified that while voters can still use a standard driver’s license for identification at the polls, the citizenship verification is a separate requirement for registration.
“If you don’t provide that [citizenship documentation], you are then put in as a federal voter, which means you can only then vote for the President, the U.S. Congress, the House of Representatives, and the Senate.”
Hanten noted that the Auditor’s office is proactively reaching out to those currently listed as “federal voters” to help them transition to full registration so they can participate in local and state races. She also quelled concerns regarding older drivers’ licenses: “If you have a current driver’s license, you can still just continue to use that even if it doesn’t say [U.S. Citizen] on the back.”
Important Deadlines and Polling Changes
Voters wishing to make changes to their registration—including address updates, name changes, or party affiliation—must do so by the May 18th deadline at 5:00 PM. Hanten emphasized that her office requires original signatures on these forms, meaning they cannot be emailed or faxed.
Additionally, Hanten announced a logistical change for residents of Sheridan Township. Due to ongoing renovations at their traditional polling site, these voters will relocate for the primary.
“Sheridan Township individuals will now vote at the Country Inn & Suites... that’s just kind of across the road over there by McDonald’s. If they have any questions or need directions, feel free to call the office.”
Ensuring Election Integrity
Addressing the mechanics of the count, Hanten described a rigorous process of transparency. This includes “jogging” the paper ballots in a machine to prevent friction and ensure they feed through tabulators correctly, as well as conducting public equipment tests both before and after the election.
The Auditor also highlighted the role of the bipartisan Resolution Board, which handles ambiguous ballots when a voter’s intent is unclear. “We’re very transparent... we’re very professional about that process,” Hanten said, inviting the public to witness the proceedings at the courthouse on election night.
Key Dates to Remember:
· April 28: Deadline for Independent candidate petitions (5:00 PM).
· May 18: Final day to register or change voter information (5:00 PM).
· June 2: Primary Election Day.
· November 3: General Election Day.
For more information, residents can contact the Codington County Auditor’s Office at 605-882-6297 or visit the South Dakota Secretary of State’s “Voter Information Portal” (VIP) online.
