(a) Regular elections. The regular city election shall be held in even numbered years. Conduct of the election shall be in accordance with provisions of state law. The date of the city election shall be set by ordinance as the second Tuesday in April. The city may combine its election with that of the Sioux Falls School Board.
(b) Registered voter defined. All citizens legally registered under the constitution and laws of the State of South Dakota to vote in the city shall be registered voters of the city within the meaning of this charter.
(c) Conduct of elections. All elections provided for by the charter shall be conducted by the election authorities established by law. Candidates shall run for office without party designation and shall declare whether seeking an at-large or district seat. Candidates for district seats must reside within the district. No person shall be eligible for elective municipal office unless a nominating petition is first filed. Nominating petitions shall conform in all respects to the provisions of South Dakota state law, except that the deadline for filing shall be no later than 5:00 p.m. on the last Friday in February. The mayoral and at-large council candidate nominating petitions shall be signed by not less than 200 registered voters of the city. The council district nominating petitions shall be signed by not less than 50 registered voters of the city. Council district nominating petitions shall be signed by registered voters who shall reside in the council district thereof, and who shall be eligible to vote for the nominee. For the conduct of city elections, for the prevention of fraud in such elections, and for the recount of ballots in cases of doubt or fraud, the city council shall adopt ordinances consistent with law and this charter, and the election authorities may adopt further regulations consistent with law and this charter and the ordinances of the council. Such ordinances and regulations pertaining to elections shall be publicized in the manner of city ordinances generally.
(Ref. of 5-7-96; 4-8-08, § I; 4-13-10, § C)