Beresford, South Dakota Public Records

Residents can find information on the city's top employers, as well as economic incentives and development opportunities, through the Beresford Economic Development Office. The Beresford Chamber of Commerce also is a valuable resource for businesses and individuals seeking to engage with the local economy.

The state requires voters to be U.S. Citizens, at least 18 years old by election day, and residents of South Dakota. Voter registration must be completed at least 15 days before an election. South Dakota does not require voter ID for registration, but voters must provide a driver's license number or the last four digits of their Social Security number. Same-day registration is not available; the 15-day deadline is strictly enforced. Beresford conducts municipal elections for mayor and city council positions. The city holds elections in the spring, typically in April, for council members and mayor, with terms generally lasting two or four years depending on the position. The next municipal election will be held in April 2026, though specific candidate filings and ballot measures will be posted closer to the election date. Information about municipal candidates and local ballot issues can be obtained from the Beresford City Finance Office (605-763-2240) or the Union County Auditor. Residents can find their assigned polling place by contacting the Union County Auditor's office, checking the South Dakota Secretary of State website polling place lookup tool at sdsos.gov, or reviewing their voter registration card mailed before each election. Polling places in town are typically located at community centers, schools, or public buildings accessible to voters. Election records that are public in South Dakota under SDCL 12-4-7 and other statutes include voter registration lists (available for purchase for political purposes), campaign finance reports filed by candidates and committees (searchable at sdsos.gov), candidate filing information and nominating petitions, election results by precinct, and absentee ballot statistics. Individual voter history (which elections a person voted in, but not how they voted) is also public record. South Dakota does not maintain voter party registration as the state does not have party registration. In the November 2024 general election, Union County reported strong voter turnout consistent with South Dakota's high participation rates, with approximately 70-75% of registered voters casting ballots in the presidential election. County voters supported Republican candidates by significant margins, reflecting Union County's conservative political lean. The November 3, 2026 general election will be critical for Beresford and Union County voters. In 2026, South Dakota voters will elect a Governor (incumbent Governor Kristi Noem is term-limited), Lieutenant Governor, other statewide constitutional officers including Attorney General, Secretary of State, State Auditor, State Treasurer, Commissioner of School and Public Lands, and Public Utilities Commission. South Dakota's U.S. Senate seat is not up in 2026 (Senator John Thune and Senator Mike Rounds were elected in 2022 and 2020 respectively, with next elections in 2028 and 2026 respectively - correction: Senator Rounds is up in 2026). The entire South Dakota House of Representatives (70 seats) and half of the State Senate (35 seats) will be elected. Union County voters will elect county commissioners, county auditor, county treasurer, register of deeds, sheriff, state's attorney, and other county offices depending on the election cycle. Beresford will not have municipal elections in November 2026 as city elections are held in the spring. South Dakota offers absentee voting for voters who will be absent from their county on election day, are unable to vote due to illness or disability, or have religious beliefs preventing them from voting in person. Absentee ballot applications can be submitted to the Union County Auditor beginning 46 days before the election, with completed ballots due by election day. The state does not offer no-excuse mail-in voting; voters must qualify under one of the statutory reasons. Applications and instructions are available at sdsos.gov or from the Union County Auditor's office. Early in-person voting is available at the Auditor's office beginning 46 days before each election.