Secure and accessible elections are complementary goals, not conflicting.
Column by Democratic Secretary of State Candidate Terrence Davis
Mail-in voting has played a role in the American electoral process for over 160 years. During the American Civil War, many states established absentee voting so Union soldiers serving away from home could still participate in elections.
The concept was simple; citizens should not lose their right to vote merely because they were serving their country.
Absentee voting continued to develop over time. States gradually broadened eligibility to include voters who were ill, traveling, working, or otherwise unable to vote in person. This expansion significantly impacted voting during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Today, many states offer no-excuse absentee voting, including South Dakota, allowing any eligible voter to request a mail-in ballot without providing a specific reason. Although rules differ across states, the core objective stays the same: ensuring lawful ballot access while safeguarding election security.
On June 29, 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court confirmed that states can count mail-in ballots received after Election Day, provided they are postmarked by Election Day and state law includes a receipt grace period. These provisions recognize a practical reality: once a ballot is properly mailed, the voter has no control over how quickly the postal service delivers it.
A voter who meets all legal requirements should not be excluded from having their ballot counted because of an unforeseen postal delay. These safeguards are particularly vital for members of the U.S. Armed Forces and American citizens residing abroad.
Federal law has historically recognized the distinct challenges faced by military members and voters overseas, who often vote from thousands of miles away. Grace periods allow voices to be heard while ensuring ballots are submitted by the legal deadline.
South Dakota has a different policy. According to state law, absentee ballots must arrive by Election Day to be counted. The Supreme Court’s ruling does not require states to change their laws; it simply confirms that states can establish receipt deadlines that align with federal law.
Regardless of the method a state chooses, the primary aim must be to protect election integrity and uphold every eligible citizen’s right to vote. Secure and accessible elections are complementary goals, not conflicting. Strong election systems verify voter eligibility, safeguard ballots, and ensure every lawful vote is properly counted as required by law.
Whether an American voter casts their ballot from their hometown, while abroad, or during a brief absence, our election confidence depends on clear rules that are consistently and fairly enforced. Safeguarding the right to vote while maintaining electoral integrity builds public trust and upholds the core principles of our constitutional republic.
Terrence Davis is running as the Democratic nominee for South Dakota Secretary of State. He served as a state trooper and earned degrees in Criminal Justice and Public Policy. He is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in Law and Policy.