8 Things to Know Before Running for Local Office
September 27, 2023
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JoinRun for State Senator in South Dakota
Election Date: Nov 3, 2026Filing Deadline: Mar 31, 2026
Election Details
- Office level: state
- Length of term: 2 years
- Commitment level: Part Time
- Affiliation: partisan
- Typical salary: $11,892/year + per diem
- Is this a runoff election? No
- Is this a primary election? No
- Filing period: Jan 2, 2026 - Mar 31, 2026
- Positions: South Dakota State Senate - District 1South Dakota House of Representatives - District 1South Dakota State Senate - District 12South Dakota House of Representatives - District 12Corson County Register of Deeds...
Job description
State Senators are members of the state's upper chamber, as part of the state's bicameral legislature. State senators are responsible for voting on: bills related to public policy matters, levels for state spending, raises or decreases in taxes, and whether to uphold or override gubernatorial vetoes.
Eligibility requirements
21 years old; 2 years residency; qualified voter; may not have been convicted of bribery, perjury or other infamous crime; may not have illegally taken "public moneys"; Term Limit: 4 consecutive terms in House, 4 consecutive terms in Senate
Filing instructions
Filing office address: South Dakota Elections Services: State Capitol, 500 East Capitol Ave, Suite 204 Pierre, SD 57501
Filing phone number: 605-773-3537
Paperwork instructions: Submit paperwork to the Secretary of State's office.
Filing requirements: Filing fee is $0; signature requirement of major party - 1% of the voters who voted for that party's gubernatorial candidate at the last gubernatorial election, or fifty voters, in the county, part of the county, or district electing a candidate to fill the office, whichever is less. Alternative party - 1% of the voters who voted for that party's statewide candidate receiving the highest votes at the last gubernatorial election in the state. Independent - 1% of the total combined vote cast for Governor at the last certified gubernatorial election within the district or political subdivision
FAQ
How often is State Senator elected?
The position of State Senator is typically elected every 2 years.
What does it mean for an election to be partisan?
Partisan elections require candidates to declare a party affiliation, like Democrat, Republican, Libertarian, or Independent.
What are the filing requirements to get on the ballot in South Dakota?
Filing fee is $0; signature requirement of major party - 1% of the voters who voted for that party's gubernatorial candidate at the last gubernatorial election, or fifty voters, in the county, part of the county, or district electing a candidate to fill the office, whichever is less. Alternative party - 1% of the voters who voted for that party's statewide candidate receiving the highest votes at the last gubernatorial election in the state. Independent - 1% of the total combined vote cast for Governor at the last certified gubernatorial election within the district or political subdivision
Where do I submit my candidate paperwork?
Submit paperwork to the Secretary of State's office.
Where is the filing office?
South Dakota Elections Services: State Capitol, 500 East Capitol Ave, Suite 204 Pierre, SD 57501.
How can I get in touch with the filing office?
You can contact the filing office by calling 605-773-3537.
How do I get started running for State Senator?
You can start running for State Senator by checking to ensure you meet all filing deadlines and requirements. Next, you can prepare to file for office and start planning your campaign strategy. Get in touch with our team of campaign experts for help with any step of the campaign process!
Is there a primary or runoff election for this office?
The next election for State Senator does not include a primary or runoff election.
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