Runoff Turnout Drops as Race Seems Decided | Pierre News

Turnout nosedived in the Republican gubernatorial runoff as voter enthusiasm waned and polls suggested the race was already decided—leading to a historic runoff under a 1985 state law, with Governor Larry Rhoden narrowly edging out Toby Doeden despite a drop in support. Experts blame the lower turnout on the lack of a fixed election date and voter apathy when polls show a clear frontrunner. Still, some new voters switched parties to cast ballots, boosting early turnout slightly—though the outcome was sealed. Rhoden now heads to the November general election against Democratic challenger Dan Ahlers. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/56f3e9960c35ad14