SDDP Executive Director Responds to Republican Bills Attacking Ballot Measure Process Becoming Law
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The South Dakota Democratic Party released the following statement from Executive Director Sam Parkinson responding to Gov. Dennis Daugaard signing HB 1177 and 1196 – two bills which attack the ballot measure process in South Dakota – into law today:
“It is extremely disappointing that Governor Daugaard joined his fellow Republicans in Pierre in supporting these unnecessary bills, which force citizens circulating ballot petitions to provide a plethora of personal information. These unnecessary requirements will make it much less likely citizens will volunteer to help circulate petitions and make it much harder for South Dakotans to put initiatives, referred laws, and constitutional amendments on the ballot. With these laws the Governor and his Republican counterparts have shown once again their distrust of the citizens of the state to take part in the ballot measure process.
“While the Republican political establishment in Pierre continues its assault on direct democracy in South Dakota, Democrats will continue to do everything we can to stand up for the ballot measure process, which has been a part of our state almost from the very beginning of its history. Our elected leaders should be encouraging citizens to make their voice heard in the electoral process. Instead, Republicans in Pierre seem to think its their job to silence those voices which don’t agree with them.”
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