Independent is not a political party
A candidate does not have to be registered as independent. A person registered with a political party may run as an independent by filing the prescribed independent candidate petition.
South Dakota · 2026 Elections
2026 Independent Candidate Information
Petition, ballot-access, signature, and filing information for candidates running without a political-party nomination.
Key Points
Running as an independent candidate
General Election ballot
Independent candidates do not participate in the Primary Election. A properly filed independent candidacy is for placement on the General Election ballot.
January 1 start date
Independent candidate petitions could not be circulated before January 1, 2026.
Registered voters in the jurisdiction
An independent candidate may collect signatures from registered voters who are eligible to sign within the jurisdiction of the office.
April 28, 2026
The deadline to submit an independent candidate nominating petition was April 28, 2026, at 5 p.m. local time.
Filed candidate list
Review candidates who filed for the 2026 election cycle.
View candidate list