State Politics

The Dakota Scout's coverage of South Dakota government and politics

Sioux Falls news

Voter groups, Minnehaha County man sue state over voter registration law

Aug 24, 2026

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2 min read

Voter groups, Minnehaha County man sue state over voter registration law

Legislature, Gov. Larry Rhoden enacted new law requiring proof of U.S. citizenship for new voters

The Dakota Scout

State Politics

VOTER GUIDE: GOP primary, municipal races crescendo in South Dakota

Jun 2, 2026

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13 min read

VOTER GUIDE: GOP primary, municipal races crescendo in South Dakota

Voters head to the polls in a uniquely packed Election Day that combines statewide primaries with local contests; here's a look at who's on your ballot

The Dakota Scout

State Politics

Rhoden campaign tells broadcasters to pull attack ads targeting his legislative record

May 8, 2026

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2 min read

Rhoden campaign tells broadcasters to pull attack ads targeting his legislative record

Incumbent governor's campaign promises ‘further action’ if ads not removed

Dominik Dausch

State Politics

Bankruptcies, criminal past follow Custer man to South Dakota treasurer's race

May 7, 2026

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2 min read

Bankruptcies, criminal past follow Custer man to South Dakota treasurer's race

Court, financial records detail legal troubles for Republican campaigning for office that oversees billions; Heath Shields cites faith for life turnaround

Jonathan Ellis

State Politics

Rhoden revives Noem-era tourism grant fund

May 4, 2026

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1 min read

Rhoden revives Noem-era tourism grant fund

South Dakota governor also announces plan to award $200,000 to 40 projects statewide

Dominik Dausch

State Politics

South Dakota activists look to overturn part of governor's property tax relief plan

Apr 29, 2026

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2 min read

South Dakota activists look to overturn part of governor's property tax relief plan

South Dakotans for Fair Taxes aims to block law that offsets property tax bills with sales taxes

The Dakota Scout

State Politics

PHOTOS: Debate curtains peeled back after South Dakota GOP gubernatorial candidates faceoff

Apr 28, 2026

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1 min read

PHOTOS: Debate curtains peeled back after South Dakota GOP gubernatorial candidates faceoff

Check out The Dakota Scout's gallery for behind-the-scenes vantage points from The Scout-Sioux Falls Live primary debate between Rhoden, Hansen, Johnson and Doeden

The Dakota Scout

State Politics

Former GOP governor, Democratic nominee backing bid to oust Republican senator

Apr 24, 2026

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3 min read

Former GOP governor, Democratic nominee backing bid to oust Republican senator

Pischke faces intra-party challenger; independent in South Dakota legislative race backed by former governor, past GOP leader, Democratic Party's 2026 pick

Joe Sneve

State Politics

Early voting starting unevenly across South Dakota

Apr 23, 2026

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1 min read

Early voting starting unevenly across South Dakota

Some counties start absentee voting while others still waiting on ballots

The Dakota Scout

State Politics

Environmental group calls on elected officials to move away from fossil fuels

Apr 22, 2026

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2 min read

Environmental group calls on elected officials to move away from fossil fuels

South Dakota Green Project releases Earth Day report showing support for dealing with global warming

Jonathan Ellis

State Politics

South Dakota Independent's first quarter haul sets new pace for non-GOP Senate hopefuls

Apr 21, 2026

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2 min read

South Dakota Independent's first quarter haul sets new pace for non-GOP Senate hopefuls

Brian Bengs' early fundraising highest for non-Republican candidate in nearly two decades

Joe Sneve

State Politics

Secretary of State's Office warned Legislature more than a year ago about ballot delays

Apr 17, 2026

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2 min read

Secretary of State's Office warned Legislature more than a year ago about ballot delays

Lawmakers rejected Monae Johnson's efforts to change petition deadlines, registered mail loophole

Jonathan Ellis

State Politics

Senate, congressional hopefuls join governor's race on South Dakota Republican primary ballots

Apr 16, 2026

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7 min read

Senate, congressional hopefuls join governor's race on South Dakota Republican primary ballots

Primary battles take shape across South Dakota’s top political bouts

The Dakota Scout

State Politics

Early voting stalled across South Dakota

Apr 15, 2026

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2 min read

Early voting stalled across South Dakota

Election officials say statutory deadlines, candidate filing volumes delayed ballot printing

Jonathan Ellis, +1

State Politics

SELLOUT: Capacity crowd anticipated for South Dakota gubernatorial debate

Apr 2, 2026

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1 min read

SELLOUT: Capacity crowd anticipated for South Dakota gubernatorial debate

Subscribers of The Dakota Scout scramble to reserve seats for April 27 event that will feature Republicans Toby Doeden, House Speaker Jon Hansen, Congressman Dusty Johnson & Gov. Larry Rhoden

The Dakota Scout

State Politics

Lawmakers demand report on welfare program spending, cash balances

Mar 31, 2026

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2 min read

Lawmakers took repeated swings to make it easier for voters to refer property tax increases to public vote

State Politics

House agrees to shift $110 million to yearly homeowner property tax relief

Mar 9, 2026

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2 min read

House agrees to shift $110 million to yearly homeowner property tax relief

Lawmakers preparing to tap income that will come with end of tax holiday in 2027

Jonathan Ellis