Partisan candidates
Requirements are calculated under South Dakota law using the applicable party vote and office or district. The statutory formula may include a maximum or minimum number of signatures.
South Dakota · 2026 Elections
Number of Signers Required for 2026 Candidate Petitions
An overview of petition signature rules and the official resources candidates should use before circulating a nominating petition.
Before You Circulate
Use the correct petition and signature requirement
The number and type of signatures required depend on the office, political status, district, and filing jurisdiction. Candidates should verify the current requirement before collecting signatures.
General Rules
Candidate petition categories
Independent candidates
Independent candidates generally obtain signatures from registered voters within the jurisdiction of the office and file for placement on the General Election ballot.
Alternative political status
Separate requirements may apply to candidates affiliated with a party that qualifies for alternative political status.
County candidates
County-office requirements depend on the office, county or commissioner district, party status, and whether the county uses vote centers.
County Candidate Campaign Guide (PDF)Legislative candidates
Legislative candidates must use the requirement for their party status and legislative district.
Who may sign
Signers must be registered voters who are eligible to sign the specific petition. Petition dates, addresses, circulator information, and the declaration of candidacy must also be reviewed.
Filing Dates
2026 petition deadlines
March 31Primary candidate filing deadline
April 28Independent candidate filing deadline
5 p.m.Applicable filing deadline time
Verify before filing
Contact the office where the petition must be filed if there is any question about the proper form, signature requirement, filing deadline, or candidate eligibility.