During the City Council meeting held on August 18, 2025, in Aberdeen, South Dakota, council members engaged in a significant discussion regarding the voting process for filling council vacancies. The primary focus was on whether to adopt a written ballot system or continue with the current oral spoken ballot method.

The proposed written ballot process would allow council members to submit their choices anonymously, which would then be tabulated publicly. This method aims to streamline the voting process and enhance transparency, as it would eliminate the possibility of secret ballots. Council members expressed varying opinions on the two options, with some favoring the written method for its clarity, while others noted that the spoken ballot could be quicker in case multiple rounds of voting were necessary.

City Attorney involvement was requested to draft potential changes to the council handbook to align with state law, ensuring that the voting process is both efficient and legally compliant. The council agreed to revisit this topic at their next meeting on September 2, where they will decide on the preferred voting method.

In addition to the voting process, the meeting underscored the importance of reconciling the council handbook with state regulations, highlighting the council's commitment to maintaining governance standards. The council ultimately voted to defer the decision until the next meeting, allowing for further review and discussion of the proposed changes.

This meeting reflects the council's ongoing efforts to improve operational procedures and ensure that their practices are transparent and effective, which is crucial for maintaining public trust in local government. As the council prepares for the upcoming meeting, the implications of their decision on the voting process will be closely watched by the community.