Joint Statement on Amendment H
South Dakota is a wonderful place to live, work and pursue the American dream, but today some folks are trying to change our state constitution to bring California’s primary election system to South Dakota. Our election process is not broken, and we do not need to be more like California. Today, every qualified voter in South Dakota has the right to choose whether to vote in a primary and/or general election Amendment H does not guarantee voter turnout will increase, as many voters make an individual choice not to vote in their primary.
Amendment H is convoluted. It encourages deception, as it allows people to run as members of one party, even if they are not registered members of that party. This is not transparency! Both the South Dakota Republican and Democrat parties have United in their opposition to Amendment H. In many cases, this is amendment would freeze out minority party candidates from having a fair shot at making general election ballots, and it takes away choices of voters in the general election, as third- party candidates who currently automatically appear on the general election ballot would likely be eliminated in the primary. Our current election system has given us the ability to choose solid leadership across South Dakota for over 100 years. Join us in rejecting California’s inspired unnecessary change to our state constitution. Vote no on Amendment H!
Lt. Governor Larry Rhoden
Attorney General Marty Jackley
State Auditor Rich Sattgast
State Treasurer Josh Haeder
School and Public Lands Commissioner Brock Greenfield
Public Utilities Commissioner Kristie Fiegen
Public Utilities Commissioner Gary Hanson
Public Utilities Commissioner Chris Nelson
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Sincerely,
Ezra Hays
605-877-2453