Parties’ Election Watch Parties Get Hip

SIOUX FALLS – No more stodgy hotel ballrooms for election night parties in South Dakota. Both the Democrats and Republicans have gone hip.

The state Republican Party is holding its election watch party at The District, a large nightclub and restaurant complex just south of the Sioux Empire mall. It has a large stage, complete with top-notch lighting and video equipment, an upper deck that circles the dance floor and several large bars.

The GOP will also have a band playing after what Republicans expect will be a clean sweep of all statewide elected offices.

The Democrats have also ditched the hotels in favor of the Icon Lounge in downtown Sioux Falls. The venue has a lounge and an event hall that its website says is “retro upcycling meets urban minimalism with the charm of the historic downtown scene.”

Both parties begin at 7 p.m.