Filing Deadlines Announced for 2026 Primary and General Elections

Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - Codington County has announced the official deadlines and filing procedures for candidates seeking office in the upcoming 2026 Primary and General Elections.

Key Filing Deadlines

Candidates planning to run for office in the primary election must file their nominating petitions by March 31, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. CT. For those intending to run as independent candidates in the general election, the filing deadline is April 28, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. CT.

Petitions submitted via registered mail by these respective deadlines are considered filed.

Local Office Filings

Nominating petitions for Codington County-specific offices must be filed at the Auditor’s office, located at 14 1st Ave SE in Watertown. These offices include:

·        County Commissioners for Districts I, III, and V

·        County Auditor

·        Register of Deeds

·        County Sheriff

·        Delegates to the Republican State Convention

·        Republican Precinct Committeeman and Committeewoman

Petitions for these positions can be submitted during regular business hours, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

State and Federal Office Filings

Candidates for state and federal positions must file their nominating petitions with the Secretary of State at the State Capitol Building in Pierre. This requirement applies to the following offices:

·        United States Senator and United States Representative

·        Governor

·        State Senate and State Representative for Districts 4 and 5

·        Attorney General, Secretary of State, State Auditor, and State Treasurer

·        Commissioner of School and Public Lands

·        Public Utilities Commissioner

·        East Dakota Water Development District Director-Area 1

Submissions to the Secretary of State are also accepted between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. CT.

The notice was issued by Brenda Hanten, Codington County Auditor.