Defend the Ballot Initiative Process

Call Script and Letter Template May 25, 2026

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There is no pre-written letter for this issue yet. Use the key facts and call script on this page to write your own.

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Call Your Representative

U.S. Capitol switchboard: (202) 224-3121

Here's what to say:

I'm calling about ballot initiative restrictions in our state.
South Dakota has passed 11 laws restricting ballot measures in 6 years. They moved deadlines, raised signature requirements, and now want 60% to pass any citizen amendment.
Voters used this process to pass Medicaid expansion in 2022. The legislature tried to gut it. Now they want to make sure it can't happen again.
Ballot measures exist because the legislature doesn't always represent the public. I need you to oppose any bill that raises thresholds or restricts citizens' right to put measures on the ballot.

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Write Your Own Letter

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Dear [Senator/Representative name],

I am writing as a constituent from [city, state] about defend the ballot initiative process.

South Dakota has passed 11 laws restricting ballot measures in 6 years. They moved deadlines, raised signature requirements, and now want 60% to pass any citizen amendment.

Voters used this process to pass Medicaid expansion in 2022. The legislature tried to gut it. Now they want to make sure it can't happen again.

The facts support this: 11 laws restricting ballot measures passed by South Dakota's legislature in 6 years (2018-2024). 60% supermajority threshold proposed by Amendment L for citizen-initiated constitutional amendments. 3 states South Dakota, North Dakota, and Missouri all have supermajority proposals on the 2026 ballot.

I am asking you to take a public position on this issue and act accordingly. Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,
[Your name]
[Your address]

Key Facts to Mention

Use these in your letter, call, email, or social post.

11 laws restricting ballot measures passed by South Dakota's legislature in 6 years (2018-2024)

60% supermajority threshold proposed by Amendment L for citizen-initiated constitutional amendments

3 states South Dakota, North Dakota, and Missouri all have supermajority proposals on the 2026 ballot

South Dakota passed 11 laws restricting ballot measures in 6 years. They moved petition deadlines earlier. They proposed doubling signature requirements. Now Amendment L, on the November 2026 ballot, would require 60% to pass any citizen-initiated constitutional amendment.

This is not just South Dakota. North Dakota and Missouri have supermajority proposals on the same ballot. Missouri's version would require winning every congressional district, which would have killed every citizen-initiated amendment since 2020.

Voters use ballot measures when the legislature won't act. Medicaid expansion passed at the ballot box in South Dakota in 2022. The legislature immediately tried to gut it. Now they want to make sure voters can't do it again.