RAPID CITY, S.D. – A coalition of South Dakota organizations announced Wednesday that they have joined forces to oppose Amendment L, a proposed constitutional change that would require future amendments to the state constitution to pass with at least 60% of the vote.

The group, known as the No on Amendment L Coalition, brings together several organizations from across the state, including the South Dakota Farmers Union, Dakota Rural Action, the American Heart Association, the South Dakota Education Association, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, Change Agents of South Dakota, the League of Women Voters of South Dakota, and the Community HealthCare Association of the Dakotas.

While coalition members represent various missions and communities, they are united in their concern over changing the rules South Dakotans use to amend their constitution. Under the proposed threshold of Amendment L, a measure supported by 59% of voters would fail to pass.

“For generations, South Dakotans have made important decisions through majority rule,” the coalition stated in a release. “Amendment L would change that standard and allow a minority of voters to block something supported by a majority.”

South Dakota voters have previously turned down similar efforts to raise the vote requirement for ballot measures. In 2018, voters defeated Amendment X, which sought a 55% threshold for constitutional amendments. Voters also rejected Amendment C in 2022, which aimed to establish a 60% requirement for certain measures involving tax, fee, or spending changes.

Coalition leaders argue that Amendment L would make future constitutional campaigns harder to pass and could increase the influence of well-funded interests in elections.

The group is encouraging voters to question why a simple majority should be sufficient to pass Amendment L itself, yet no longer be enough for future constitutional amendments.

“This is about protecting the voice of South Dakota voters,” the coalition stated. “We may not agree on every issue that appears on the ballot, but we agree that South Dakotans should continue to have a meaningful voice in the decisions that shape our state.”

The coalition plans to continue outreach efforts up through Election Day to educate voters on Amendment L and its long-term effects on the ballot process. Residents seeking further details on the initiative can learn more by contacting coalition organizers as public discussion continues in Rapid City and across the state.