2026 Primary Absentee Ballots - Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: 04.15.2026

Contact:
Philena Burtch
Stanley County Auditor
605-223-7780
phil.burtch@stanley.sdcounty.gov

Absentee Ballots Not Available at Start of Voting Period for June 2 Primary

Stanley County, SD — The Stanley Auditor’s Office is notifying voters that absentee ballots for the upcoming June 2 Primary Election will not be available on the first day of the absentee voting period.

Under South Dakota law, absentee voting is scheduled to begin 46 days prior to an election pursuant to SDCL 12-19-1.2. However, the candidate petition filing deadline was March 31, as established in SDCL 12-6-4, which determines the final list of candidates to appear on the ballot.

Because ballots cannot be finalized until after the petition filing deadline has passed and candidate eligibility is confirmed, additional time is required for ballot preparation, including certification, layout, programming, proofing, and printing.

This statutory timing results in a brief delay between the start of the absentee voting period and the availability of ballots.

The Auditor’s Office is working diligently to complete this process as quickly as possible. Once ballots are available:

• Absentee ballots will be mailed immediately to voters who have submitted applications
• In-person absentee voting will begin at the Auditor’s Office
• Updates will be shared through the county website, local media, and official communication channels

This delay is a function of state law timelines that require final candidate filings before ballots can be prepared. Stanley County Auditor’s office is committed to ensuring ballots are accurate and available as soon as possible.

Voters are encouraged to:

• Submit absentee ballot applications early
• Verify voter registration information
• Monitor official county communications for updates

The deadline to request an absentee ballot remains 5:00 p.m. the day before the election, pursuant to SDCL 12-19-2.

For more information, please contact the Auditor’s Office at 605-223-7780 or visit stanleycountysd.gov.