Election is Tuesday

Election 2020 is almost here, and Americans will take to the polls to decide hundreds of races, including President of the  United States.

There is only one local race, for a seat in the South Dakota Senate. Julie Frye-Mueller (R), a former representative for District 30, squares off against Libertarian Gideon Oakes for a two-year term.

There is no House of Representatives race in District 30, as both Republican incumbent Tim Goodwin and fellow Republican Trish Ladner will head to Pierre for a two-year term following their victories in June’s primary election. There is no Democratic candidate for the House.

In the state races, incumbent Sen. Mike Rounds seeks another six-year term and will face Democratic challenger Dan Ahlers. In the House of Representatives race, incumbent Dusty Johnson faces Rand “Uriah” Luallin, a Libertarian, for a two-year term.

There are three candidates for a seat on the Public Utilities Commis-sion. Incumbent Gary Hanson faces a challenge from both Libertarian Devin Saxon and Democrat Remi W.B. Bald Eagle.

Those who head to the polls will also vote on a state Supreme Court justice, as the term of current Fourth Supreme Court District justice Steven Jensen is set to expire and voters will decide whether to send him back to the state’s highest court.

Voters will also decide three ballot measures. Initiated Measure 26 provides for a state medical marijuana program. Constitutional Amendment A would legalize the recreational use of marijuana while requiring the legislature to pass laws providing for the use of medicinal marijuana and the sale of hemp by April 1, 2022. Constitutional Amendment B would legalize sports betting in Deadwood.

In the race for President of the United States, President Donald Trump faces Democratic candidate Joe Biden and Libertarian candidate Jo Jorgenson, with the winner to serve a four-year term.

The election polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mountain time on the day of the election.

Any voter who needs assistance, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may contact the county auditor at 673-8173 before the election for information on polling place accessibility for people with disabilities.

The location of polling places for each precinct can be found in the legal notices of this week’s Chronicle.