By Carleen Wild
Moody County Enterprise
If you were hoping to get a jump on voting in Moody County’s spring elections, you may need to wait just a bit longer.
As of Monday morning, when this issue went to press, ballots had not yet arrived. County Auditor Tawny Heinemann said absentee voting should begin later this week once official ballots are in hand.
The delay comes after a needed change to local spring ballots, pushing delivery past the date state law sets for absentee voting to begin. In South Dakota, that window was scheduled to open April 17, but Moody County saw a last-minute adjustment.
Heinemann said the delay is expected to be short and should have minimal impact, though she noted concern for voters who may be planning a trip into town to weigh in on local school board races or other measures unique to their precincts while running errands in Flandreau, the county seat.
While state guidance recently pointed to the possible use of sample ballots in certain situations, Moody County officials determined that option does not apply in this case.
“Our responsibility is to ensure that every vote is handled with the highest level of integrity,” said Heinemann.
“We have taken the time to seek legal guidance and collaborate with fellow auditors to ensure we are following the law as it is written. It is important to us that every ballot issued is accurate, secure, and beyond question.”
Voters looking to cast a ballot early are encouraged to call the Auditor’s Office at 605-997-3161 before heading in. Otherwise, watch for updates on the county’s social media pages. Ballots can also be mailed out as soon as they arrive, helping ensure no one misses their chance to participate.
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