Indivisible Rapid City Rally Draws Attention Ahead of Nov. 3 Ballots

Indivisible Rapid City members staged a 'Vote Blue' demonstration Thursday outside City Hall and U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds' office in Rapid City, South Dakota. The group gathered to encourage local residents to cast their ballots before the election scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 3.

Nicole Preble, a participant in the event, stated that the central message was for voters to use the election to make their concerns heard. She emphasized the civic duty of the act, noting, 'It’s important to get out and exercise that right to vote. It’s not a privilege. It’s a right.' Preble reported that most drivers passing by reacted positively with honks, waves, and thumbs-up gestures, though she acknowledged the group also encounters people who disagree with their message.

While Preble describes Indivisible as a nonpartisan organization that does not endorse specific candidates, the Thursday event explicitly used the 'Vote Blue' slogan to encourage support for Democrats. In a separate interview, Preble discussed her direct interactions with elected officials. She said she has repeatedly contacted Sen. Rounds, Sen. John Thune, and Rep. Dusty Johnson by phone and email regarding federal policy concerns, including U.S. relations with Russia and longstanding allies.

Preble characterized the responses from these officials as largely form letters that did not meaningfully address her specific issues. She argued that officials have a duty to respond more directly to the people they represent, stating, 'That is their job. To be our voice. And to respond to their constituents.' KOTA Territory News contacted Rounds' office about the criticism and the group's outreach efforts. The office had not provided a response as of the report's filing.

The group plans to hold another demonstration on Saturday, Oct. 31. For the upcoming election, Pennington County lists polling hours as 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day. Registered voters may also vote in person by absentee ballot before Nov. 3. Pennington County lists regular absentee voting hours as 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. The county auditor's office is located at 900 Concourse Drive, Suite 130, in Rapid City.

The South Dakota secretary of state's office indicates that voters may apply for an absentee ballot in person during regular office hours or until 5 p.m. the day before the election, whichever is later. Voters planning to go on Monday, Nov. 2, should confirm final-day arrangements with the county auditor. Residents can check their registration status and polling location through the South Dakota voter information portal or on Pennington County's elections page.