 The Senate State Affairs Committee will soon hear several bills designed to make it harder for South Dakotans to put issues on the ballot. Bills That Restrict Citizen-Led Initiatives: ✖ HJR 5003 – Requires a 60% majority to pass a constitutional amendment. Voters overwhelmingly rejected this idea in 2022, but legislators are bringing it back. If passed, it will be on the ballot in the next election. ✖ SJR 504 – Changes signature requirements for ballot measures to county-by-county thresholds instead of a statewide total, making it even harder for grassroots efforts to succeed. ✖ HB 1184 – Shortens the time allowed to collect petition signatures, reducing the window for citizen-led initiatives. ✖ HJR 5006 – Prevents citizens from bringing certain issues to a vote if a similar measure was rejected in the last election. If passed, it will be on the ballot in the next election. 📧 Tell the Senate State Affairs Committee to Vote NO ✉ Email Contacts: 📩 [email protected] 📩 [email protected] 📩 [email protected] 📩 [email protected] 📩 [email protected] 📩 [email protected] 📩 [email protected] 📩 [email protected] 📩 [email protected] Sample Email to Legislators: Subject: Please Oppose HJR 5003, SJR 504, HB 1184, and HJR 5006 Dear Senator, I am writing to urge you to oppose HJR 5003, SJR 504, HB 1184, and HJR 5006—bills that would make it harder for South Dakotans to bring important issues to the ballot. South Dakota has a proud tradition of direct democracy, and voters have repeatedly shown that they do not want unnecessary restrictions on the citizen initiative process. These bills would impose additional hurdles, limiting the ability of everyday citizens to have a voice in shaping our state’s future. Please respect the will of the people and vote NO on these bills. South Dakotans should not have to fight their own government to exercise their constitutional rights. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, [Your Name] [Your Address or City, Optional]
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