South Dakota
Learn how ballot initiatives, constitutional amendments, and direct democracy shape elections and public policy in South Dakota.
Can I vote early on Amendment L?
Yes. South Dakota offers early voting options. Because hours and locations can vary by county and election cycle, check South Dakota's Secretary of State website directly for current early voting information.
How do I make sure I'm registered to vote on Amendment L?
Check your voter registration status well before the election — especially if you've moved or haven't voted in recent cycles. Visit South Dakota's Secretary of State website for current registration deadlines, requirements, and to confirm your registration is active.
When will South Dakotans vote on Amendment L?
Amendment L will be on the November 2026 General Election Ballot, alongside other statewide and local races.
Is Amendment L partisan?
No. The issue of majority rule cuts across party lines. Research shows that voters — regardless of whether they identify as Democrats, Republicans, independents, or unaffiliated — value simple majority rule as a matter of basic fairness. What makes supermajority requirements controversial is that they shift power away from the majority and allow a minority of voters to block policies that most people support.
What would Amendment L do to the ballot measure process?
It would make it significantly harder for constitutional amendments to pass. Under the current system, a majority of South Dakotans can approve a constitutional change. Under Amendment L, a minority of just over 40% could block an amendment even if most South Dakotans supported it. When you look at actual voter turnout, the number of South Dakotans who could overrule an amendment is actually even smaller—more like 20%. Imagine a scenario where 1 in 5 people control what laws pass even if 4 out of 5 want something different to happen—that scenario would come to be if Amendment L passes.
Where did Amendment L come from?
Politicians in the South Dakota Legislature voted to place Amendment L on the ballot. It was not initiated by a citizen petition.
What is Constitutional Amendment L?
Constitutional Amendment L is a legislatively-referred constitutional amendment on South Dakota's November 2026 ballot. If passed, it would raise the threshold for any future constitutional amendment — citizen-initiated or legislature-referred — from a simple majority (50%+1) to minority rule. It would require 60% of voters to pass any amendment, meaning that just over 40% could block amendments. This is minority rule. Read more about minority rule here.
What South Dakota ballot measures should I watch in 2026?
Amendment L is an important proposed constitutional amendment that would make it harder to pass future constitutional amendments. It would replace the current system used to decide constitutional questions –– majority rule –– with minority rule. Learn more about what Amendment L would mean for voters in our article: What Is Constitutional Amendment L in South Dakota?
How do I vote?
In South Dakota, you can vote on Election Day, early in person, or by mail. You can find more information on South Dakota's Secretary of State website.
How do I register to vote?
Registering to vote is the most critical step in exercising your power in direct democracy. Requirements and deadlines vary, so check with South Dakota's Secretary of State website to confirm your eligibility, update your address if you've moved, and make sure your registration is active before the next election.
What are some examples of ballot measures South Dakotans have passed?
In recent years, South Dakota voters approved measures to legalize medical marijuana, expand Medicaid, and to raise the minimum wage, all policies that had been stalled in the state legislature.
Are ballot initiatives partisan?
No. Research shows that voters of all political affiliations value the ability to decide on laws directly. While individual politicians or party leaders may take positions on ballot measures, the process itself cuts across party lines. Voters who identify as Democrats, Republicans, Independents, or unaffiliated can all use the ballot initiative process and vote however they choose.
How do ballot measures get on the ballot in South Dakota?
Either through citizen initiative — where registered voters collect a required number of signatures to qualify a measure — or through legislative referral, where the South Dakota Legislature votes to send a question directly to voters.
What is a ballot measure?
A ballot measure is a policy question placed on a ballot for voters to answer to approve or reject. Instead of choosing between candidates who will then vote on laws for them, voters are asked to weigh in directly on a proposed law, constitutional amendment, or local charter change.