Podcast: Pros and cons on a ballot question to raise the bar for changing the state constitution

One of four ballot questions voters will consider on Nov. 3 would make it harder for state constitutional amendments to pass.

South Dakota lawmakers can place amendments on the ballot, and so can citizens if they collect enough signatures from registered South Dakota voters. Amendments currently need a simple majority from voters to pass, but Amendment L would change that. If it passes — ironically with a simple majority — future amendments would need 60% support from voters for approval.

Supporters of the measure, including state Rep. John Hughes, R-Sioux Falls, say voters have been putting too much policy in the constitution, which should be reserved for the structure and functions of government. He sponsored the legislative resolution that sent Amendment L to the ballot.

Opponents, including Dakota Rural Action’s Chase Jensen, say Republican lawmakers want to prevent voters from passing amendments — like one requiring Medicaid expansion, which passed four years ago — that the lawmakers don’t like.

A “yes” vote on Amendment L will require all future amendments to receive 60% support from voters to be added to the state constitution. A “no” vote would keep the threshold at a simple majority.

Click here to access a transcript for this episode.