Federal Election Day Monitoring in Minnehaha County
October 26, 2026
PIERRE, S.D.–The South Dakota Secretary of State’s Office has received notification from the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) Civil Rights Division of its intent to send federal election monitors to Minnehaha County during the November 3rd, 2026, General Election.
According to the DOJ, the purpose of the monitoring is to observe election procedures and assess compliance with federal voting rights laws.
These include the Voting Rights Act, the Help America Vote Act, and other federal laws intended to protect voting rights and ensure accessibility.
The DOJ has indicated that its monitors will observe and take notes without interfering in the voting process. Monitors will identify themselves to election officials, follow state and local election laws, and report any concerns through their designated DOJ leadership.
The DOJ has also stated that its monitors will not speak to voters inside polling places or carry firearms.
