Codington County to enter combined election agreement with Watertown School District; ballot‑on‑demand tabled for more study

The Codington County Board of Commissioners on Dec. 2 authorized Auditor Brenda to enter a combined election agreement with the Watertown School District, a procedural move allowed under recent legislative changes. The agreement directs the county auditor’s office to prepare ballots, manage absentee voting and offer on‑site support for voters in overlapping districts.

Brenda told commissioners the change reflects new state law that makes combined agreements more common; the county has previously helped cities and schools with election operations and will continue to create ballots, run publications and manage absentee voting for the Watertown School District under the agreement. Commissioners approved the authorization by voice vote.

Brenda also discussed ballot‑on‑demand technology that would let the auditor print ballots in‑house on short notice — a capability she said is useful given the compressed election calendar (candidate filing March 31; absentee voting begins April 17). She said she will gather additional information about approved systems and funding and return with recommendations; the commission deferred action on purchasing equipment.

County officials said the combined agreement aims to reduce administrative duplication and help administer elections efficiently the first time the arrangement is used with Watertown School District.