Will Gov. Rhoden sign off on higher constitutional amendment hurdle?

Ballot reformers say changing South Dakota Constitution too easy; change criticized as giving too much power to minority of state voters

Gov. Larry Rhoden is flanked by his chief of staff, Mackenzie Decker (left) and Ian Fury, director of communications in the governor’s office. Leading them down the Capitol rotunda stairs is a member of Rhoden’s security team. (Joe Sneve/The Dakota Scout)

Gov. Larry Rhoden isn’t yet saying whether he’ll sign off on an overhaul of South Dakota’s ballot initiative rules that is prompting threats of referendums and lawsuits.

The South Dakota governor faces growing pressure from citizens, special interest groups and stakeholders on both sides of the debate around House Bill 1169 a measure that seeks to raise the bar for putting proposed amendments to the state constitution to a public vote.

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