Monae Johnson (R)
Monae Johnson has emerged as one of the most aggressive anti-voter officials in the country. Appointed Secretary of State in 2022, Johnson immediately pushed for stricter voter ID and proof-of-citizenship requirements, despite data showing virtually no illegal voting in South Dakota. She also removed tens of thousands of eligible voters from the rolls in a sweeping purge that opponents say was poorly targeted and insufficiently reviewed, risking the disenfranchisement of lawful Native American and rural voters.
Johnson has weaponized administrative power against elections rather than protect them. She has also echoed conspiratorial rhetoric, publicly questioning the integrity of routine election safeguards. With Johnson at the helm, South Dakota has become a warning sign of how right-wing election denialism and overreach can take hold at the state level, creating confusion, fear, and unnecessary barriers for legitimate voters.