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Bill

SB 106

require an individual be registered as a voter of this state before being eligible to be a petition sponsor for a ballot measure.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Amber Arlint and 25 co-sponsors

SB 106 restricts ballot measure petition sponsorship to registered South Dakota voters, tightening eligibility requirements for direct democracy participation.

Signed by the Governor on 2025-03-31 S.J. 539
#ballotmeasures #elections #legislatureandstatutes #petitions
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Bill Summary · SB 106

Legislative bill overview

SB 106 requires individuals to be registered South Dakota voters before they can serve as petition sponsors for ballot measures in the state. This creates a voter registration prerequisite for citizens seeking to initiate direct democracy processes through ballot petitions. The bill was unanimously passed by the House and signed into law by the Governor in March 2025.

Why is this important

Ballot initiatives and referendums are key mechanisms for direct democracy, allowing citizens to bypass the legislature on important policy questions. This requirement affects who can organize and lead signature-gathering campaigns, potentially influencing which ballot measures reach voters. The rule could impact both grassroots movements and organized advocacy campaigns that rely on petition sponsorship.

Potential points of contention

  • Eligibility restrictions: Non-registered voters, including non-citizen residents and those ineligible to vote, are barred from sponsoring petitions despite potentially having legitimate policy interests in state matters
  • Barriers to ballot access: The requirement could make it harder to organize ballot measure campaigns, particularly for smaller groups or those without established voter registration networks
  • Out-of-state organizers: National advocacy organizations or interstate coalitions may face complications if key organizers lack South Dakota voter registration, potentially limiting certain campaigns' effectiveness

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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