Telephone Scam – Secretary Johnson Warns Citizens of fake groups claiming to be making calls on behalf of SOS Office

(Pierre, S.D.) – Secretary of State Monae L. Johnson is warning South Dakotans to be aware of scammers after citizens have reported receiving calls, coming from random numbers with a 605-area code, where the caller is claiming they are with the Secretary of State’s office. Scammers are pushing the voters to challenge the Abortion Rights ballot measure petitions.

The Secretary of State’s office has alerted law enforcement as to these groups impersonating themselves as SOS staff. The groups have stated they are the South Dakota Integrity Committee or the Petition Integrity Commission. It appears that the calls are trying to pressure voters into asking that their name be removed from the Abortion Rights petitions. “Citizens in South Dakota, by law, have the right to petition and people like these scammers are eroding public trust in the election process,” stated Secretary Johnson.

People who receive such calls are encouraged to contact the Secretary of State’s Office, the Division of Elections at [email protected] or call 605-773-3537. Please pass along any information that you receive.

A group did form a campaign finance committee this morning named South Dakota Petition Integrity. We are unaware if this group is affiliated with the calls.

More information on specific ballot questions can be found on the Secretary of State’s website: https://sdsos.gov/elections-voting/upcoming-elections/general-information/2024/2024-ballot-questions.aspx. For more information on the ballot measure signature withdrawal process may be found here: https://sdsos.gov/elections-voting/upcoming-elections/ballot-question-information/Ballot-Measure-Signature-Withdrawal-Information.aspx.

Fall River County Treasurer’s Office is seeking a full-time administrative assistant for our fast-paced office.
Must be reliable, a quick learner, have good organizational skills, exceptional customer service, computer knowledge and ability to lift up to 30 lbs
apply at the treasurer’s office

906 N. River St.
Hot Springs, SD

Application and full job description available on employment page

starting wage $15-$16 with full benefits
this position will be open until filled

Fall River County residents;

The County Auditor’s office would like to encourage any registered voters that may have experienced a change of address by either physically moving to a different location or their physical address being changed, to update their voter registration as soon as possible.

Once every two years, during non-election years, the South Dakota Secretary of State and counties do a process of list maintenance. A list of voters is generated to be mailed who have not updated their registration nor voted in the last 2 election cycles (4 years). If the address provided on the registration is incorrect or outdated (for example, if you had an old rural route address that has since been updated) this would impact you as the notice will be returned “Undeliverable”. This will potentially cause a voter’s registration to become inactive. This means you would need to fill out a new voter registration prior to voting at the polls.

You may contact the Auditor’s office @ (605) 745-5130 or mail correspondence to: Fall River County Auditor, 906 N River St., Hot Springs, SD 57747 or visit the office in person. You may also email the Auditor:    [email protected]