ACLU OF SD looking for “Election Observer” volunteers

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Dakota News Now) – As we inch closer to another hotly contested general election, it’s important to know that those who work our elections and those voting are following the rules.

Shortly after the June 4 primaries, absentee ballots were challenged at two precincts in Minnehaha County, one of the precincts had 132 ballots thrown out which were later added back, but didn’t change the result of any election after a recount.

The ACLU chapter of South Dakota is now looking to expand their ability to ensure cases like this aren’t necessary.

For the first time, the ACLU Chapter of South Dakota is bringing in volunteers to be a part of an “Election Protection Team” as Election Observers.

These observers will monitor polling places to ensure there is no voter suppression, make suggestions to improve future elections and ensure all voters know their rights.

“If an individual were to come to a polling location and they believe all absentee ballots should be discarded, that would be an unlawful challenge and we would want to make sure our Election Observers are taking notes and letting us know right away,” SD ACLU Advocacy Manager Samantha Chapman said.

Training will take place next week, first in Aberdeen on the 20th and then in Sioux Falls on the 21st. Chapman says she’s excited to get these communities involved.

“We see this as a great opportunity to connect with folks in these communities to reinforce voting rights for the people who live there and again to have a strong presence to make sure that all votes are counted and heard on election day,” Champman said.

If you’re interested in being a volunteer, you can register here: https://www.aclusd.org/electionprotection.

Absentee voting begins September 20th. The voter registration deadline is October 21st.

Chapman says the group has learned a lot from the North Dakota chapter in the 2022 Midterm Elections, including suggestions left by the chapter to county officials on how to improve the election process in the future.

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