What are the rules regarding overseas voting?
In South Dakota, overseas citizens may register to vote in federal elections and request an absentee ballot if they are United States citizens living outside the United States. All overseas voters are eligible to participate in federal elections. A valid absentee voter registration application, or Federal Post Card Application (FPCA), must be completed and submitted to the county auditor of the county of voter registration. The FPCA is available on the South Dakota Secretary of State website and must be signed and dated to be considered complete. All applications must be received by the county auditor no later than 7 p.m. on the day of the election. After an overseas voter’s application is accepted, their absentee ballot will be mailed out at the address the voter has provided. The ballot must be returned to the county auditor no later than 7 p.m. on the day of the election. Overseas ballots may either be returned in person to the county auditor or by mail. If returning by mail, overseas voters must utilize a return envelope that has been signed and dated by two witnesses. In addition to the FPCA, overseas citizens may also submit a Federal Write-in Absentee Ballot (FWAB). The FWAB serves as a backup in the event an absentee ballot does not arrive in time for the election. If a valid absentee ballot is later received, it will count and the FWAB will not be counted. To ensure their vote is counted, overseas citizens should consult with their local county auditor regarding all the requirements for voting as an overseas citizen.
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