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Thursday, March 28, 2024

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Pulling back the curtains on wage-theft enforcement in MN; Trump's latest attack is on RFK, Jr; NM LGBTQ+ equality group endorses 2024 'Rock Star' candidates; Michigan's youth justice reforms: Expanded diversion, no fees.

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Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg says rebuilding Baltimore's Key Bridge will be challenging and expensive. An Alabama Democrat flips a state legislature seat and former Connecticut senator Joe Lieberman dies at 82.

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Historic wildfires could create housing and health issues for rural Texans, a Kentucky program helps prison parolees start a new life, and descendants of Nicodemus, Kansas celebrate the Black settlers who journeyed across the 1870s plains seeking self-governance.

SD: Civic Engagement & Voting

In 2022, South Dakota voters rejected a proposal to raise the approval threshold for ballot initiatives. (Adobe Stock)
SD lawmakers debate signature rules for ballot initiatives

South Dakota is once again at the center of a debate about the future of direct democracy. A legislative plan would shake up signature rules for …

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Civic engagement groups like Common Cause say greater transparency and education about redistricting could spur more public interest, including how shifts in the political boundaries impact how much funding a community receives from state Legislatures, like the one in South Dakota. (Adobe Stock)
South Dakota gets 'C-plus' grade for redistricting

A non-partisan political group is out with state-by-state grades for recent redistricting efforts, including South Dakota. Common Cause gives South …

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In South Dakota, a voter registration form with an original signature has to be received by a county auditor's office 15 days before Election Day. (Adobe Stock)
Voting in SD: How does change of address affect registration?

When it comes to elections, all eyes are on the 2024 vote. Civic-engagement groups in South Dakota are trying to make sure people needing help with …

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A recent survey from the American Bar Association found most respondents want elected leaders who are willing to compromise, but not on specific issues. (Adobe Stock)
National Civility Month: Can a Respectful Tone Ever Return to Politics?

August is National Civility Month, and finding common ground in politics without name-calling might seem like an insurmountable task. A South Dakota …

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While South Dakota rarely sees recall elections, an expert says neighboring North Dakota has seen a lot of such activity, with nearly three dozen recall votes in the past 12 years. (Adobe Stock)
Does South Dakota Have 'Direct Democracy' Fever?

A court hearing next week could help determine whether an eastern South Dakota mayor will face a recall election. Events are rare for this state…

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South Dakota is among a half-dozen states that currently have a
Backers of 'Open Primary' Plan for SD Continue Petition Rollout

In the coming months, South Dakotans will see outreach about some big changes potentially being ushered into the state's primary elections. This …

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Opponents of a South Dakota bill to place restrictions on absentee voting say it would only create confusion, and further disenfranchise marginalized voters. (Adobe Stock)
SD Lawmakers Consider Restrictions for Absentee Voting

Proposed changes to election policy are on the table in South Dakota, and they're drawing sharp opposition from local officials. At issue is whether …

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At the national level, researchers say hand counting election ballots poses a greater risk for error as opposed to using electronic machines. (Adobe Stock)
SD Debates Vote Counting for Future Elections

This coming legislative session, South Dakota lawmakers could be asked to clarify a state law dealing with the counting of election ballots. It comes …

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Supporters of legalizing marijuana say it removes barriers that stem from an arrest for simple pot possession, including securing employment and finding a place to live. (Adobe Stock)
Recreational Marijuana Makes Another Appearance on SD Ballot

Just as in 2020, voters across South Dakota will have a chance in November to decide whether the state should legalize possession of small amounts of …

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Some 14% of likely voters in the SDSU Poll, taken in the last two weeks, say they're undecided about whom to vote for in the governor's race. (Adobe Stock)
Poll Shows Tight Race for SD Governor

South Dakotans have some pretty big decisions to make casting their ballots this fall, including the race for governor. A new poll has somewhat …

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In a recent lawsuit, a federal judge found nearly 10 examples in which the State of South Dakota had made it difficult for Native Americans to register to vote. (Adobe Stock)
Following Settlement with Tribes, SD Phases In Voting-Access Reforms

This election season, South Dakota is starting to implement voting-access reforms in light of a recent settlement with Native American tribes…

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South Dakota was one of nearly a dozen states that had so-called trigger bans on abortions ready to take place in the event of federal protections being overturned. (Adobe Stock)
With Ban in Place, Abortion-Rights Rallies Planned for SD

Opponents of South Dakota's abortion ban are mobilizing efforts to get the attention of policymakers. Rallies will be held this weekend as organizers …

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