Sioux Falls leaders push to hitch city elections with South Dakota primary

Runoff rules also scrutinized as municipalities look to comply with new state law

Sioux Falls voters will likely be voting for their preferred candidates for mayor and city council in June starting next year.

The Sioux Falls City Council on Tuesday signaled its intent to align the 2026 municipal election with South Dakota’s statewide primary in June — a step toward complying with a new state law reshaping local election calendars across the state.

In a highly anticipated discussion during the council’s afternoon informational meeting, Council Chairman Rich Merkouris said he and Councilor Curt Soehl will propose an ordinance next month to schedule the city’s 2026 election on June 2, 2026, coinciding with the statewide primary.

June, November city elections expected to bolster turnout, campaign costs