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Judicial Elections
How Judges Are Chosen in South Dakota
South Dakota Supreme Court justices are appointed by the governor from a list drawn up by a nominating commission, then face voters in yes/no retention elections every 8 years.
Rules as of October 15, 2026 · source Ballotpedia
Are judges elected in South Dakota?
- Highest court
- South Dakota Supreme Court — 5 justices
- How chosen
- Commission + appointment
- Voters
- Voters decide retention
- Term
- 8 years (shorter first term)
- To serve again
- Yes/no retention vote
- 2026 ballot
- No South Dakota Supreme Court seats in 2026
How South Dakota chooses its judges
South Dakota Supreme Court justices are appointed by the governor from a list drawn up by a nominating commission, then face voters in yes/no retention elections every 8 years.
- Seats: 5 justices on the South Dakota Supreme Court.
- Term: 8 years, after at least three years before the first retention vote.
- To serve again: Yes/no retention vote.
- Other courts: Circuit judges are elected in nonpartisan races.
Compare every state on the judicial selection table.
Is the South Dakota Supreme Court on the 2026 ballot?
No South Dakota Supreme Court seat is up in 2026. Justices here face retention votes on a staggered schedule, so the next one comes in a later year.
Other judges can still be on your ballot. Circuit judges are elected in nonpartisan races. Check your sample ballot for every judicial race where you live.
How to research judges on your South Dakota ballot
- Your sample ballot: South Dakota’s official election site shows every judicial race on your ballot, including local courts.
- Deadlines and voting options: How to vote in South Dakota — registration, early voting, mail ballots and poll hours.
- Candidate details: Ballotpedia tracks each candidate’s background, endorsements and spending; local news and the state bar often publish candidate surveys.
Judicial ethics rules bar candidates from promising how they will rule, so a judge’s record and experience usually say more than campaign ads. This site does not endorse or rate candidates.
Federal judges in South Dakota
Federal judges are never on a ballot: the President nominates them and the U.S. Senate confirms them for life. South Dakota’s two senators vote on every nominee and are traditionally consulted on district court nominees from the state.
South Dakota’s senators: John Thune (Republican) and Mike Rounds (Republican).
Confirmed by recorded vote in 2026
No federal judge for a court in South Dakota has been confirmed by roll-call vote in 2026.
District judges for courts in South Dakota and circuit judges from the state. Judges confirmed by voice vote leave no roll call; the Senate’s list of confirmed nominations has them. Roll calls from the snapshot refreshed Oct 1, 2026.
Open federal judgeships
The U.S. Courts list no vacant district judgeship in South Dakota as of October 15, 2026.
Source: uscourts.gov current judicial vacancies. Every vacancy nationwide is on the judicial elections hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are judges elected in South Dakota?
South Dakota Supreme Court justices are appointed by the governor from a list drawn up by a nominating commission, then face voters in yes/no retention elections every 8 years. Circuit judges are elected in nonpartisan races.
How long is a term on the South Dakota Supreme Court?
8 years, after at least three years before the first retention vote. At the end of a term, they face yes/no retention votes to stay on the court.
Is the South Dakota Supreme Court on the 2026 ballot?
No South Dakota Supreme Court seat is up in 2026. Trial and appellate judges may still be on your local ballot — check your sample ballot.
How do I research judges on my South Dakota ballot?
Your sample ballot from https://sdsos.gov/elections-voting/voting/register-to-vote/default.aspx lists every judicial race, including local courts. Ballotpedia, local news and the state bar cover candidates' experience and endorsements.
Who appoints federal judges in South Dakota?
The President nominates and the U.S. Senate confirms them; they serve for life. South Dakota's senators, John Thune and Mike Rounds, vote on every nomination and are traditionally consulted on district court nominees from the state.
Related
Judicial Elections in Every State
How all 50 states choose judges, every 2026 supreme court race, and federal confirmations.
How to Vote in South Dakota
Registration, early voting, mail ballots and poll hours.
South Dakota Senators & Representatives
Your delegation in Congress and when each term ends.
What Can Congress Do?
Can Congress declare war, override a veto, impeach a cabinet member, remove a senator, overrule the Supreme Court, or invoke the 25th Amendment? Question by question, with live vote math.