Voting FAQs

Explore plain-English answers to common questions about ballot measures, direct democracy, and the rules that shape how voters make decisions.

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.