Public News Service

The Brookings Institution, a nonpartisan research group, gave South Dakota a

Monday, September 16, 2024

SD voting advocates hope to avoid ballot challenges seen in primary

Just a few months after some South Dakota absentee ballots were illegally challenged, officials are concerned slow mail delivery could affect …

According to a poll of 50-64-year-olds, top issues of concern are strengthening the economy (80%), defending against terrorism (76%), and making the Social Security system financially sound (73%). (Adobe Stock)

Caregiving, financial security among top concerns of older SD voters

Voters over age 50 reliably show up to the polls in large numbers but sometimes candidates overlook them. In 2020, 138,000 South Dakotans ages 45-64 …

More than one in three local election officials have experienced threats, harassment or abuse, according to a recent Brennan Center poll. (Lorie Shaull, Flickr)

More power to SD poll watchers this Election Day

A new South Dakota law will give poll watchers in the state more power on Election Day. Some say that could interfere with voting. A bill passed in …

More than 54% of South Dakota voters approved the legalization of recreational cannabis use in 2020, a decision later overturned in court. (Adobe Stock)

Report urges lawmakers to take public health approach on legal cannabis

As South Dakotans approach a vote on recreational cannabis, a new paper makes recommendations to policymakers on implementing its legality. The …

Women's labor force participation would be 2.6% higher in South Dakota without the state's strict abortion laws, according to an analysis by the Institute for Women's Policy Research. (Jacob Lund/ Adobe Stock)

Report: Abortion restrictions cost SD’s economy $670 million annually

Abortion bans and restrictions limit women's participation in the workforce, according to a new analysis that quantifies the negative impacts on …

The ballot initiative to enshrine some protections to abortion in the South Dakota constitution received about 20,000 more signatures than needed to get on the November ballot. (Adobe Stock)

New group asks SD abortion petition signers to rescind

South Dakota's Secretary of State received more than enough signatures to get a decision on abortion rights on the November ballot but some signees ar…

In a 2018 survey by the Native American Voting Rights Coalition, 32% of respondents not registered to vote in South Dakota said long distances to travel for registration were prohibitive. (Adobe Stock)

Ballot dropbox ban a barrier in SD primary

South Dakota's June 4 primary will be the first national election here since ballot dropboxes were banned in 2023. It is one of 12 states to ban …

In a 2022 South Dakota News Watch poll, 79% of South Dakota voters said they think the state tax on groceries should be lowered or repealed. (Adobe Stock)

Measure to end sales tax on groceries could go to SD voters

South Dakotans face high prices at the grocery store and some are working to ease the burden. A new report from the Federal Trade Commission finds …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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…

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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…

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 …

South Dakota will soon transition to a temporary state Attorney General following the impeachment and removal of Jason Ravnsborg. (Adobe Stock)

SD Political Expert: Attorney General's Removal Reflects Public Will

On the heels of Tuesday's removal of South Dakota's attorney general, a political expert says it appears lawmakers followed through on what voters …

South Dakota election officials say even though demand for absentee ballots hasn't reached the levels that were seen in 2020, they are still higher than a decade ago. (Adobe Stock)

SD Gears Up for June 7 Primary Election

South Dakota's primary election is three weeks from today. Those overseeing the process, as well as groups educating voters, hope residents are …

Starting on June 21, the South Dakota Senate will hold a two-day trial to determine if the State Attorney General should be found guilty of articles of impeachment. (Adobe Stock)

'This Is a Heavy Responsibility': South Dakota Prepares for Impeachment Trial

The South Dakota Senate is looking ahead to June for the impeachment trial of Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg, and some lawmakers say it is a big …

Despite increased public pressure placed on election workers, three out of four respondents in a national survey said they found

Public Service on Display for Today's Elections in SD

Voters in South Dakota cities will fan out today for local elections. At the polls, they will be helped by other community members seen as …

This spring, voters in Sioux Falls will be deciding a new mayor as well as city council races. (Adobe Stock)

Importance of Local Elections Highlighted in SD

On April 12, municipalities across South Dakota will be holding local elections. A statewide group is encouraging participation through an outreach …

AARP says the Community Challenge grants it provides are meant to foster local projects that are inclusive, address disparities and directly engage volunteers. (Adobe Stock)

South Dakotans Can Again Apply for Challenge Grants

With constant reminders of crises and turmoil happening around the world, community advocates say it's easy to feel overwhelmed in wanting to make a …

South Dakota's redistricting effort involves redrawing 35 legislative districts. Because it has only one seat in Congress, no federal maps are involved. (Adobe Stock)<br /><br />

Advocates: SD's Redistricting Needs to Catch Up with Diversity

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - When South Dakota voters head to the polls next year, they'll decide on candidates hoping to serve newly drawn legislative …

Those opposed to efforts by some South Dakota leaders to block voter-approved questions, such as recreational marijuana, say rejecting the will of the voters sets a dangerous precedent. (Adobe Stock)

Rec. Marijuana Supporters in SD Press Ahead After Court Defeat

PIERRE, S.D. -- Supporters of establishing recreational marijuana in South Dakota say they're pouring all their energy into a new ballot initiative…

South Dakota lawmakers face a Dec. 1 deadline to approve new legislative maps. Currently, they're in the process of gathering public feedback. (Adobe Stock)

Gerrymandering Concerns Surface in SD Redistricting Hearings

RAPID CITY, S.D. -- Proposed updates to South Dakota's legislative maps are getting a dose of public scrutiny, with hearings being held across the …

Plaintiffs in a lawsuit say despite an initial court filing last year, the State of South Dakota has yet to correct their concerns about voter-registration obstacles for Native Americans. (Adobe Stock)

Lawsuit Over SD Native American Voter Registration Continues

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. -- In Congress, efforts are underway to boost the voting rights of Native Americans. It coincides with an ongoing lawsuit in South …

Proposed Ballot Initiative Aims to End Gerrymandering in SD

PIERRE, S.D. - South Dakota lawmakers tasked with redrawing the state's legislative boundaries will soon meet following the release of census data …

A new Gallup survey shows more than 60% of Americans say they know

Juneteenth Declared National Holiday, Amidst Progress, Upheaval

PIERRE, S.D. -- Juneteenth National Independence Day is now an official holiday, after President Joe Biden signed a bill Thursday, approved by both …

A new economic analysis predicts if the remaining states holding out on expanding Medicaid reversed their decisions, more than 1 million jobs would be created nationwide. (Adobe Stock)

Report: SD Would See Economic Benefits from Medicaid Expansion

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - Boosting health-care access and tapping into federal aid often are cited as reasons to expand Medicaid, but a new report says …

To be in compliance for an updated national suicide prevention line, South Dakota soon will require all residents to dial ten digits for local calls. (Adobe Stock)

SD: A Little Extra Phone Effort Will Help a Lot in Suicide Prevention

PIERRE, S.D. - While it might seem like a nuisance, a looming requirement for local phone calls in South Dakota is being phased in as part of a …

Last fall, South Dakota became the first state to endorse two marijuana-related ballot questions in the same election, for a medical cannabis program and to legalize recreational use for people age 21 and older. (Adobe Stock)

Despite Obstacles, SD Marijuana Group Feels Good about Effort

PIERRE, S.D. -- Today is the last day of South Dakota's legislative session, and lawmakers could decide the fate of a medical marijuana program …

South Dakota officials say most residents could be eligible for a COVID vaccine later this spring. But public-health experts worry that false claims about vaccines could deter some people from signing up. (Adobe Stock)

Expert: Dispelling False Claims About Vaccines Comes at Crucial Time

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - A number of states are moving closer to expanding COVID-19 vaccinations to their general populations. But public-health experts …

In addition to her historic role in President Joe Biden's Cabinet, Rep. Deb Haaland, D-N.M., made history in being one of the first two Native American women elected to Congress in 2018. (House.gov)

Haaland's Confirmation Cheered by SD Tribal Leader

LOWER BRULE, S.D. -- The U.S. government now has its first Native American serving in a Cabinet leadership post. Rep. Deb Haaland, D-N.M., was …

Last fall, South Dakota became the first state to endorse two marijuana ballot questions in the same election. One was for a medical cannabis program and the other was to legalize recreational use for those 21 and older. (Adobe Stock)

Compromise Offered on SD Medical Marijuana Debate

PIERRE, S.D. -- Supporters of medical marijuana for South Dakota are trying to reach a compromise with Gov. Kristi Noem over an effort to delay …

Advocates for boosting voter access in South Dakota were hoping an online registration system would pass in the current legislative session. But so far, only a watered-down version has advanced. (Adobe Stock)

Changes to Online Voter Registration Plan for SD Criticized

PIERRE, S.D. -- The South Dakota Senate could soon consider a bill concerning online voter registration, but the measure is a far cry from what …

SD Gov. Hopes to Block Voter-Approved Marijuana Law Change

PIERRE, S.D. -- Gov. Kristi Noem is getting involved in a legal challenge to the marijuana-legalization ballot initiative approved by South Dakota …

This fall, South Dakota became the first state to endorse two marijuana ballot questions in the same election. However, there are still deep divisions over whether to move forward on legalizing the drug. (Adobe Stock)

SD Could Be Political 'Test State' For Implementing Marijuana Changes

PIERRE, S.D. -- Questions remain about the future of recreational marijuana in South Dakota despite a constitutional amendment approved by voters…

According to some national polls, almost half of U.S. adults don't appear eager to get a COVID-19 vaccine when it's available, mainly out of safety concerns. But health officials say some of these doses could be nearly 95% effective. (Adobe Stock)

SD Health-Care Group: Patience Needed for Vaccine Rollout

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - Federal officials are working with drug companies on novel coronavirus vaccines, some of which could be available this month for …

President Donald Trump's refusal to concede the presidential race has led to concerns about people losing faith in democracy in the United States. (Adobe Stock)

Expert: Casting Doubt on Vote Leads to Slow Erosion of Democracy

VERMILLION, S.D. -- Election officials across the U.S. say there's no evidence of illegal votes helping Joe Biden win the 2020 presidential race…

On Tuesday, South Dakota was among a handful of states to pass ballot questions related to loosening marijuana laws. (Adobe Stock)

SD Makes History With Marijuana Ballot Questions

PIERRE, S.D. -- South Dakota has become the first state to endorse two marijuana ballot questions in the same election. Supporters now hope state …

The fall election came amid a coronavirus surge in South Dakota, prompting election offices to keep extra masks handy and have hand-sanitizing stations in place, along with other measures. (Adobe Stock)

County Auditor: SD Voters Can Expect Safety Measures to Stay

MILBANK, S.D. -- Plastic barriers, extra hand sanitizer, safe distance reminders: Those are a few of the safety measures South Dakota voters may have …

As COVID-19 ravages South Dakota, some medical groups have launched a campaign to promote mask wearing. (Avera)

Local Mask Mandates Take Shape in SD

BROOKINGS, S.D. - Calls have amplified for South Dakota to issue a statewide mask rule in light of surging COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations…

According to the state, nearly one in five South Dakota residents already has cast his or her ballot in the 2020 election. (Adobe Stock)

SD Voters Urged to Plan Carefully

RAPID CITY, S.D. -- Time is running short for South Dakotans who haven't voted yet to consider how they will cast their ballots. With COVID-19 still …

Rapid City has seen longstanding tensions between Native American communities and the white population over 1,200 acres of land that once belonged to an Indian boarding school. Various groups and Native American leaders say the land was stolen from tribes and paved the way for unlawful use. (Adobe Stock)

Mending Fences: SD Church Provides Space for Indigenous Students

RAPID CITY, S.D. -- Many South Dakota schools returned to in-person learning this fall. But that's not an easy decision for all families during the …

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SD: Civic Engagement & Voting