South Dakota House Endorses Bill to Align Candidate Petition Deadlines

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The South Dakota House of Representatives voted 64-4 to support a bill that would change the nominating petition deadline for state and local election candidates to the third Tuesday in March, rather than various dates currently in law, including March 31 for some candidates. The bill originally failed on the floor but was revived after an emergency clause was removed, meaning it would not impact the upcoming June primary election if approved by the Senate and signed by the governor.

Why it matters

This bill is intended to address challenges for county auditors created by a law adopted last year requiring local governments to hold elections on the same day as the primary or general election. Aligning the petition deadlines could help streamline the election process for officials and candidates.

The details

The bill would change the nominating petition deadline to the third Tuesday in March, rather than the current various dates including March 31 for some candidates. Prospective candidates were allowed to begin circulating petitions in January. The bill originally failed on the floor but was revived after Rep. Rebecca Reimer, R-Chamberlain, removed an emergency clause that would have made the bill become law immediately.

• Lawmakers voted on the bill on Thursday, February 6, 2026 in Pierre.
• If approved by the Senate and signed by the governor, the bill will become law on July 1, 2026.

What’s next

The bill now heads to the South Dakota Senate for consideration.