🏛️ Structure of South Dakota State Government
Executive Branch
Led by the Governor (currently Kristi Noem).
Other elected officials: Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, State Auditor, State Treasurer, Commissioner of School and Public Lands, and Public Utilities Commissioners.
Governor's Office Website
Legislative Branch
South Dakota Legislature: Bicameral system with the House of Representatives (70 members) and the Senate (35 members).
South Dakota House of Representatives Website
South Dakota State Senate Website
Judicial Branch
Led by the South Dakota Supreme Court, with Circuit Courts and Magistrate Courts.
🗳️ Elections and Voter Information
South Dakota Secretary of State (Elections Division): Oversees voter registration, election security, and candidate filings.
Register to Vote
Elections & Voting Info
South Dakota Voter Guide: Comprehensive guides for state and local elections.
Voter Guide Portal
📊 Key Political Issues in South Dakota
Healthcare Access in Rural Areas
Agricultural Policy and Water Resource Management
Education Funding and Teacher Recruitment
Renewable Energy Development and Environmental Conservation
Infrastructure and Broadband Expansion
Tribal Sovereignty and Native American Issues
🤝 Civic Engagement & Grassroots Activism
League of Women Voters of South Dakota: Promotes informed and active civic participation.
LWV South Dakota Website
Dakota Rural Action: Advocates for sustainable agriculture and rural communities.
South Dakota Voices for Peace: Focused on social justice and immigrant rights.
📰 Stay Informed
Argus Leader: Covers statewide politics and government.
South Dakota Public Broadcasting (SDPB): Offers in-depth reporting on state and local issues.
South Dakota News Watch: Nonprofit newsroom focused on state issues and policy.
📚 Educational Resources
South Dakota State Archives: Provides access to government and historical records.
South Dakota State Archives Website
BallotPedia South Dakota: Neutral, fact-checked information on elections and policy.
Ballotpedia South Dakota
📱 Useful Tools and Apps
Countable: Follow legislation and contact your representatives.
CivicEngage: Portal for community-level civic information.