More Constitutional Law news More news in South Dakota Find Constitutional Law lawyers in South Dakota
In a landmark decision, the state of South Dakota has introduced a new constitutional amendment aimed at expanding voting rights for its residents. The amendment, which was officially announced by Governor Sarah Johnson on August 23, 2025, seeks to make voting more accessible and inclusive for all eligible voters in the state.The new amendment, known as Amendment 87, includes several key provisions that are designed to address longstanding barriers to voting in South Dakota. One of the most significant changes introduced by the amendment is the implementation of automatic voter registration for all eligible residents. Under this provision, individuals will be automatically registered to vote when they turn 18 or become naturalized citizens, unless they choose to opt out.Additionally, Amendment 87 also extends early voting periods and establishes new guidelines for absentee voting. The amendment requires polling places to be open for a minimum of two weeks leading up to Election Day, giving voters more flexibility to cast their ballots. Furthermore, absentee voting will now be available to all voters upon request, without the need for a specific reason or justification.Governor Johnson expressed her support for the new constitutional amendment, stating that it is a critical step towards ensuring that every voice is heard in the democratic process. "By expanding voting rights and removing barriers to participation, we are strengthening our democracy and upholding the values of equality and fairness," she said in a statement.The introduction of Amendment 87 comes at a time when voting rights issues have been at the forefront of national discourse. Across the country, states have been enacting controversial voting laws that restrict access to the ballot box, leading to concerns about disenfranchisement and inequality.In contrast, South Dakota's new constitutional amendment represents a forward-thinking approach to voting rights, setting a positive example for other states to follow. The decision to expand voting rights has been met with widespread praise from advocacy groups and community organizations, who see it as a significant step towards a more inclusive and representative democracy.The amendment will now move to the state legislature for further consideration and debate. If approved by lawmakers, it will be put before the voters in a statewide referendum. With the support of Governor Johnson and a groundswell of public backing, there is optimism that Amendment 87 will become enshrined in the South Dakota Constitution, ushering in a new era of voting rights in the state.