Press Release 09.05.24

South Dakota--- RARE SIGHTING SEEN IN POLITICS

In South Dakota, seeing unity between Republicans, Democrats, and Libertarians on an issue is rarer than spotting the fabled Jack-a-lope. However, Vote No On Amendment H released a statement stating this rarity has happened; these groups support a No vote on the Amendment H ballot issue. Amendment H deals with the election process for Primary voting.

Vote No on Amendment H chair Ezra Hays says, “We are pleased with the unity across the board on this crucial ballot issue that affects voters and non-voters alike. Whether one is Democrat, Independent, Libertarian, Republican, or any party, this issue is bigger than Party names or titles. Hays went on to say, “When the issue of bringing California and Washington state election-styled primaries to South Dakota showed up on the ballot, combined with the out-of-state money and backroom deals, people from across the state put their other differences aside and are speaking out in unison for a No vote on Amendment H. We appreciate the civil conversations and support across the South Dakota landscape. We all look forward to working together to spread the word. It is a big No this November.”

The issue agreed upon revolves around the voting process for Primary elections. According to the South Dakota Secretary of State and the South Dakota Constitution, all registered voters and party affiliations can vote in the South Dakota Primary. Currently, Democrats and Independents can vote for Democrat candidates. Libertarians and Independents can vote for Libertarian candidates. Republicans can vote for Republican candidates. If an Independent Party voter wants to vote for a Republican candidate, that voter simply registers as a Republican. The winner of those parties faces each other in the General Election.

“The way the primary election process is now ensures there is at least a chance for a minority, such a Democrat or Independent voter and or even an underdog Republican, to face off against the opposing party in the general election,” Hays said. If Yes goes through, it will be easy to shut out the voices of those who don’t have enough connections or finances to run. The same can be said for any future ballot issues as well. A No on Amendment H keeps it the fairest for everyone and keeps California-styled primaries out of our state, “ Hays said.

For more information on Amendment H, visit www.NoOnAmendmentH.com

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Press Release 07.30.24

South Dakota–VOTE NO ON H CAMPAIGN FORMED TO PROTECT CURRENT VOTING PROCESS 

Today, “Vote No on H” has formally launched a Ballot Question Committee campaign. Vote NO on H refers to the South Dakota Amendment H on the November ballot and decides how candidates are selected in the South Dakota primaries. A NO vote on H will preserve and protect the current system in South Dakota.

There are multiple primary systems across the United States. Currently, California and Washington are the states that are most like the proposed change for South Dakota’s primary system. Also known as a “jungle” primary system, it creates a distinct disadvantage for underfunded candidates, involved voters, and opens the door to out-of-state money and interference.

The Vote No On H committee was formed by concerned South Dakotans from across the state. The committee’s purpose is to educate, inform and encourage voters on why a NO vote on Amendment H is crucial. A NO vote will stop attempts by local and well-funded out-of-state groups to usher in a dangerous voting system for primary elections. According to the Vote No On H website, which headlines its site with a graphic equating the passage of Amendment H to the symbolic “Trojan Horse” and the attack it would bring inside the South Dakota borders, it states, “it may seem like a step toward greater inclusivity, but this attack on the current healthy Primary method poses significant risks to the integrity and fairness of our political system. This amendment would enable the manipulation of our democratic process and give well-funded special interest groups more control. It would do more harm than good, ultimately weakening the democratic process….”

According to Vote No On H Chair, South Dakotan Ezra Hays, misinformation is being circulated to undermine the current system. Hays is concerned about the attempted sabotage of South Dakota’s Primary voting method. “There is nothing ‘open’ about this. This damaging change to our current system would shut down the voters’ voice and leave them at the mercy of the highest donors from across the United States to fill the top spots. Financial records reveal that huge amounts of out-of-state money has already been brought into South Dakota just to get this amendment on the ballot. Imagine the power these same people will have if Amendment H passes,” Hays emphasized. “There is nothing fair and balanced about this new method. It is designed to corrupt our current system. We must vote NO on H,” he said.

Hays says what he hears across the state is, “Don’t California our South Dakota. To prevent that, we need to ‘Vote NO on H’,” Hays said.

To learn more about Vote NO on H visit www.NoOnAmendmentH.com.

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