Downtown Sioux Falls businesses are partnering with LEAD South Dakota to launch a voter registration campaign to take place from September 25-October 22, 2018.

The campaign involves more than a dozen businesses in downtown Sioux Falls and is part of National Voter Registration Day. While visiting a participating business, patrons can register to vote with employees equipped to assist in the registration process. By making voter registration easier, LEAD is hoping to encourage any unregistered citizens to get involved in the democratic process.

Downtown Sioux Falls business owners are excited to engage patrons on a local level.

“Community involvement is important because if you want to change the world, you need to think global and act local,” said Brian Gochal, owner of Vishnu Bunny Tattoo. “We can’t wait for someone else to make the world a better place.”

“We believe that it’s important for South Dakotans to be registered to vote because elected officials make decisions that impact all of our lives,” said Susan Kroger, co-chair and founding member of LEAD. “By having the information and means to register at downtown businesses, we’re hoping to make it easier for people to participate.”

Businesses participating include Josiah’s Coffeehouse, Oh My Word Paperie, MB Haskett, Carpenter Bar, Chelsea’s Boutique, Vishnu Bunny Tattoo, Coffea, Urban Archaeology, Bread and Circus Sandwich Kitchen, and Total Drag.

The campaign kicks off on Tuesday, September 25 which is also National Voter Registration Day.