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Qualifications to Hold Office & Term Limits

President of the United States
35 years old, no person except a natural born citizen, 14 years residency within the U.S.

U.S. Senator
30 years old, 9 years a citizen of U.S., inhabitant of state when elected

U.S. Representative
25 years old, 7 years a citizen of U.S., inhabitant of state when elected

Governor and Lt. Governor
2 years residency, Citizen of United States, 21 years old, Term Limit: 2 consecutive terms

Constitutional Officers
No specified qualifications, Term Limit: 2 consecutive terms

Legislators
21 years old; 2 years residency; qualified voter; may not have been convicted of bribery, perjury or other infamous crime; may not have illegally taken "public moneys"; Term Limit: 4 consecutive terms in House, 4 consecutive terms in Senate

Public Utilities Commissioner
25 years old, 2 years residency, qualified voter of the state, no conflict of interest

Circuit Court Judges
Citizen of United States, resident of state, voter in circuit, licensed to practice law

Supreme Court Justice
Citizen of United States, resident of state, voter in district represented, licensed to practice law

Delegates to state or national party conventions
See Party By-Laws

County Officials
No specified qualifications for county officials except for those listed below.

When a county commissioner candidate, whether running for a district position or at large, signs the declaration of candidacy on the nominating petition the candidate must reside in the district or the county (at large candidates).

State's attorney must be licensed to practice law.

Sheriff Candidates (SDCL 23-3-43.1):

  • A candidate for election to the office of county sheriff shall file with the county auditor by the last Tuesday of March of the election year a certification of qualification issued by the law enforcement officers standards commission that the candidate meets the qualifications provided in SDCL 23-3-43.
  • A candidate appointed to fill a vacancy by a party central committee pursuant to SDCL 12-6-56 shall file with the county auditor a certification of qualification by the second Tuesday in August.
  • A candidate who files an independent nominating petition shall file with the county auditor a certification of qualification by the first Tuesday after the first Monday of June.
  • A sheriff appointed to fill a vacancy by the county commission shall file with the county auditor a certification of qualification within thirty days of the appointment.
  • Failure to file a certification shall prevent the candidate's name from being placed on the ballot.
  • Law Enforcement Officers Standards Commission
  • Contact 605-773-3584 regarding questions related to the certification of qualification.

Municipal Officials
Qualified voter and resident of municipality, reside in municipality 3 months before election, not a defaulter to the municipality. Alderman candidates must be registered voters and residents of the ward they are running for when nominated.

School Board Members
Resident voter, may not hold an incompatible office.