Each summary is supported by the candidate's own words from a campaign source, direct candidate response, or official primary record retained with the profile.
Democracy, ethics, and the rule of law
Candidate positionI am a strong proponent for election integrity and accountability. First and foremost, I support our auditors and support local control. I stand with President Trump and echo his concerns over identified security issues in our elections such as citizenship and identification requirements, inaccurate voter rolls, mail in ballots, and voting machine issues. I fully support robust post-election audits, improved hand counting methods, and thorough disaster recovery plans.
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I am a strong proponent for election integrity and accountability. First and foremost, I support our auditors and support local control. I stand with President Trump and echo his concerns over identified security issues in our elections such as citizenship and identification requirements, inaccurate voter rolls, mail in ballots, and voting machine issues. I fully support robust post-election audits, improved hand counting methods, and thorough disaster recovery plans.
Democracy, ethics, and the rule of law
Candidate positionI will build on my record of sponsoring, voting for and passing common sense election bills as a state representative. My Secretary of State's office will implement robust and secure practices to ensure every vote is counted accurately via paper ballots.
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I will build on my record of sponsoring, voting for and passing common sense election bills as a state representative. My Secretary of State's office will implement robust and secure practices to ensure every vote is counted accurately via paper ballots.
Democracy, ethics, and the rule of law
Candidate positionI will lead with steadfast dedication to the people of South Dakota, ensuring every decision and action consistently reflects integrity and reliability to build trust and accountability.
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I will lead with steadfast dedication to the people of South Dakota, ensuring every decision and action consistently reflects integrity and reliability to build trust and accountability.
Democracy, ethics, and the rule of law
Candidate positionI plan to further improve public access to records with modern, user-friendly tools, making government more transparent and responsive to South Dakotans.
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I plan to further improve public access to records with modern, user-friendly tools, making government more transparent and responsive to South Dakotans.
Democracy, ethics, and the rule of law
Candidate positionSouth Dakota already has strong laws in place, but there is always room for improvement. Cast Vote Records (CVRs) are the federally required digital audit trail for our electronic tabulators. Currently only 4 of 66 counties can fully audit the elections via review of Cast Vote Records (CVRs). This must change. I will ensure all counties have the proper audit tools available to them and the required training.
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South Dakota already has strong laws in place, but there is always room for improvement. Cast Vote Records (CVRs) are the federally required digital audit trail for our electronic tabulators. Currently only 4 of 66 counties can fully audit the elections via review of Cast Vote Records (CVRs). This must change. I will ensure all counties have the proper audit tools available to them and the required training.
Democracy, ethics, and the rule of law
Candidate positionI also support the development of emerging technologies that can deliver total transparency, security, and the ability to fully audit elections from start to finish. In addition, I will protect and enforce South Dakota’s proof of citizenship laws and work to restore civic engagement in the local election process. I look forward to partnering with auditors, reducing fees and regulations, implementing office efficiencies to assist South Dakotans, reducing precinct size, reviewing compliance, and leading the office in maximizing production while minimizing expenses.
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I also support the development of emerging technologies that can deliver total transparency, security, and the ability to fully audit elections from start to finish. In addition, I will protect and enforce South Dakota’s proof of citizenship laws and work to restore civic engagement in the local election process. I look forward to partnering with auditors, reducing fees and regulations, implementing office efficiencies to assist South Dakotans, reducing precinct size, reviewing compliance, and leading the office in maximizing production while minimizing expenses.
Democracy, ethics, and the rule of law
Candidate positionAs a dedicated public servant, I am committed to restoring public trust in the electoral process and elevating customer service from the Secretary of State’s office. Many South Dakotan’s have brought ideas and requests to me for improvements they’d like to see in the office. I plan to address your concerns and get to work on day one.
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As a dedicated public servant, I am committed to restoring public trust in the electoral process and elevating customer service from the Secretary of State’s office. Many South Dakotan’s have brought ideas and requests to me for improvements they’d like to see in the office. I plan to address your concerns and get to work on day one.
Democracy, ethics, and the rule of law
Candidate positionI'll work with legislators on meaningful reform in campaign contributions and expenditures, fostering trust through clear, open reporting.
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I'll work with legislators on meaningful reform in campaign contributions and expenditures, fostering trust through clear, open reporting.
Taxes, economy, workers, agriculture, and affordability
Candidate positionMy office will lead the way with advocacy for an SD DOGE. I will simplify regulations and streamline processes to remove barriers, leveraging my experience as a small business owner to support entrepreneurs and drive natural and organic economic growth.
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My office will lead the way with advocacy for an SD DOGE. I will simplify regulations and streamline processes to remove barriers, leveraging my experience as a small business owner to support entrepreneurs and drive natural and organic economic growth.
Serve with Proven Dedication
Candidate positionI will draw on my legislative experience and community service, I’ll bring fresh energy and bold solutions to make the Secretary of State’s office a model of efficiency and integrity.
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I will draw on my legislative experience and community service, I’ll bring fresh energy and bold solutions to make the Secretary of State’s office a model of efficiency and integrity.
Heather Baxter for SD Secretary of State
Candidate positionToday, we stand at a critical juncture with President Trump ready to champion election integrity alongside South Dakota patriots. We must now elect a Secretary of State who is prepared to restore trust in our elections through unwavering commitment to truth and transparency. Work remains, I am ready and I will deliver.
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Today, we stand at a critical juncture with President Trump ready to champion election integrity alongside South Dakota patriots. We must now elect a Secretary of State who is prepared to restore trust in our elections through unwavering commitment to truth and transparency. Work remains, I am ready and I will deliver.
Conduct Robust Post-Election Audits
Candidate positionFactVote summary · PolicyImplement robust post-election audits using secure paper ballots and improved hand-counting methods.
- Verify every vote accurately.
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Heather Baxter campaign
Create Thorough Election Disaster-Recovery Plans
Candidate positionFactVote summary · PolicyRequire thorough disaster-recovery and continuity plans for election administration.
- Preserve voting and counting through disruptions.
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Heather Baxter campaign
Support County Auditors and Local Control
Candidate positionFactVote summary · Goal / PrioritySupport county auditors and preserve local control of South Dakota election administration.
- Partner with local officials on implementation.
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Heather Baxter campaign
Equip Every County to Audit Cast Vote Records
Candidate positionFactVote summary · PolicyProvide every county the tools and training needed to audit electronic-tabulator cast-vote records.
- Make full digital audit capacity statewide.
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Heather Baxter campaign
Develop Fully Auditable Election Technology
Candidate positionFactVote summary · PolicyDevelop election technology that enables transparent, secure, start-to-finish auditing.
- Evaluate emerging tools for verifiability.
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Heather Baxter campaign
Enforce Proof-of-Citizenship Laws
Candidate positionFactVote summary · PolicyProtect and enforce South Dakota's proof-of-citizenship requirements for elections.
- Maintain eligibility controls within state law.
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Heather Baxter campaign
Reduce Precinct Size and Review Compliance
Candidate positionFactVote summary · PolicyReduce precinct size, review compliance, and improve administrative efficiency.
- Make election operations more manageable and accountable.
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Heather Baxter campaign
Reform Contribution and Expenditure Reporting
Candidate positionFactVote summary · PolicyWork with legislators to reform campaign contribution and expenditure rules with clear public reporting.
- Increase campaign-finance transparency.
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Heather Baxter campaign
Simplify Rules and Reduce Fees for Small Businesses
Candidate positionFactVote summary · PolicySimplify regulations, streamline Secretary of State processes, and reduce fees and barriers facing entrepreneurs.
- Use office efficiency to support organic business growth.
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Heather Baxter campaign
Advocate for a South Dakota DOGE
Candidate positionFactVote summary · PolicyAdvocate for a state government-efficiency initiative modeled as an SD DOGE.
- Maximize office production while minimizing expense.
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Heather Baxter campaign
Modernize Public Access to State Records
Candidate positionFactVote summary · PolicyImprove public-record access through modern, user-friendly tools.
- Make state government more transparent and responsive.
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Heather Baxter campaign
Restore Trust and Improve Customer Service
Candidate positionFactVote summary · Goal / PriorityRestore trust in elections and elevate customer service in the Secretary of State's office.
- Address public concerns beginning on the first day in office.
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Heather Baxter campaign
