After the disappointing turnout in South Dakota's local elections, we must ask ourselves why people are ignoring them
The votes are in. New members of the Rapid City Common Council and school board have been elected. But before we move on, can we please talk about something too many people are ignoring? The voter turnout.
Just days ago, we honored Memorial Day, a solemn occasion to remember the men and women who died defending our country and the democratic values it stands for. We’re surrounded by tributes to patriotism: flags waving, speeches praising liberty, and reminders that we live in the greatest democracy on Earth.
Yet in the most fundamental act of that democracy — voting — only 10% of voters showed up in this last local race. In Sioux Falls, their April election turnout was an abysmal 2%.
That’s not just disappointing. It’s hypocritical.
Voting has never been easier. Auditor’s offices provide early voting options, and absentee ballots are often available three weeks before Election Day. Two weeks ago, I walked into the Pennington County Administrative Building, showed my South Dakota driver’s license, voted for my new councilmember, and was back in my car in under five minutes. No lines, no hassle — just civic responsibility.
Not everyone can run for office. Not everyone has time to knock on doors for a campaign. But everyone who is eligible can vote. And should.
Civic engagement doesn’t have to be grand — it can be as simple and powerful as casting a ballot.
So what can we do to boost voter turnout? We can start by talking about it. We can hold ourselves and our communities accountable. And we can remind each other that if you want to see change — especially the kind that hits closest to home — it starts at the ballot box.
Patriotism isn’t just waving a flag. It’s showing up to vote.
Laura Armstrong of Rapid City, a speech language pathologist who owns a small private clinic, is a regular contributor to The South Dakota Standard. She served two consecutive terms on the Rapid City Common Council (2017-2023) twice as council president, and remains dedicated to the Rapid City community.
Photo: public domain, wikimedia commons
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