MITCHELL, SD (Mitchell Now) — The South Dakota Secretary of State’s Office has announced that the rollout of the upgraded SDVotes Program will be moved to early 2027, following feedback from county auditors who requested additional time to prepare for the transition.

According to the Secretary of State’s Office, the updated SDVotes system is fully built and ready to go live. The adjusted timeline is not related to security or technology concerns but reflects the need to allow auditors, deputies and office staff to train thoroughly before adopting the system into daily election operations.

“SDVotes is ready,” Secretary of State Monae L. Johnson said in the announcement. “But readiness is more than technology—it’s people. County auditors asked for more time to test, train their staff, and make sure they feel prepared. We are choosing partnership over pressure.”

Johnson said the decision prioritizes collaboration with county auditors, many of whom manage election responsibilities with small teams.

“County auditors are our closest partners,” she said. “We would rather move together and ensure everyone feels supported. The system is strong, secure, and ready—we just want to launch it in a way that works best for those who use it every day.”

The Secretary of State’s Office plans to continue working with county auditors throughout 2026 to ensure a smooth statewide launch in 2027.