Monae Johnson to take over as Secretary of State early

Steve Barnett resigning a month before term ends

Secretary of State-elect Monae Johnson will officially assume her new role next week, a month prior to the start of the term she earned in the Nov. 8 election.

Current Secretary of State Steve Barnett is resigning from the position this weekend to take a private sector job, prompting Gov. Noem to formally appoint Johnson to the office Friday.

Her first day in office will be Monday.

“Monae Johnson has the confidence of the people of South Dakota,” Noem said in a statement announcing the appointment. “She was elected because of her promise to focus on election integrity, and I look forward to working with her on those efforts.”

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