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2026 election issues

Electoral process changes

Republican legislators have flagged efforts to change South Dakota’s electoral process as a major 2026 policy issue. Related ballot and legislative activity also includes rules for initiatives and referendums, making election administration and direct democracy procedures a live state debate.

Should South Dakota change its electoral process and rules for citizen initiatives?

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Sources

Rep. Mike Derby — https://www.sdnewswatch.org/2026-legislature-property-taxes-data-centers-sd
Rep. Mike Derby, a Republican from Rapid City, said other major policy issues on the 2026 agenda include efforts to change the state's electoral process, possible regulation of tax increment financing districts and refining how economic development tools are used in the state.
South Dakota Secretary of State — https://sdsos.gov/elections-voting/upcoming-elections/general-information/2026%20Election%20Information/2026-ballot-questions.aspx
Title - An Amendment to the South Dakota Constitution Requiring Legislative Changes to Initiative and Referendum Procedures to be Approved by a Vote of the People.
Positions on this issue  ·  liberal → conservative
  1. Expand voter access and protect/expand initiative and referendum power
  2. Maintain current rules with modest accessibility and transparency updates
  3. No major changes until bipartisan consensus on election procedures
  4. Tighten initiative rules and require voter approval for legislative changes to them
  5. Significantly restrict initiatives and add stricter election-process controls