Today is primary election day in South Dakota

June 2, 2020

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) – Poll workers will attempt to space voters apart during South Dakota’s primary election, although there’s a good chance most ballots will have already been submitted ahead of in-person voting.

The secretary of state’s office has reported over 82,000 absentee ballots have already been returned, more than half the voter turnout for the last primary.

The secretary of state encouraged absentee voting in order to avoid coronavirus infections.

The results for the Democratic presidential primary won’t be much more than a statement in an all-but-decided race.

Meanwhile, Republican Sen. Mike Rounds and Rep. Dusty Johnson are considered strong favorites to advance for a chance at a second term.

Locally, two Codington County Commission races are on the ballot. The District Two Republican primary features incumbent Charlie Waterman running against Jim Didier. In the District 4 race, a pair of Republicans, incumbent Troy VanDusen and Toby Wishard are running against each other.  

Also on the ballot is a District 5 House of Representatives race. Three candidates, Nancy York, Jacob Sigurdson and Hugh Bartels, are running for two openings.

Polls are open from 7 to 7. Watertown residents vote at the Codington County Extension building.