Seven ballot measures, $7 million and counting: Reports reveal total spending

Ballot question campaigns in South Dakota had collectively spent about $7 million this year by their Oct. 21 reporting deadline, according to a South Dakota Searchlight analysis, and they’ve likely spent millions more since then that won’t be fully disclosed until the next spending reports in January.

There are seven statewide ballot questions under consideration by South Dakotans in the Nov. 5 general election.

Groups campaigning for an open primary system were the top spenders as of the deadline, committing approximately $1.6 million to sway voters toward a “yes” on Amendment H. The amendment would change future primary elections so that all candidates, regardless of party, would be on a single ballot open to all voters. The top two vote-getters would advance to the general election. The top four would advance in races with two winners, such as state House districts.

The “no” groups on abortion rights had spent about $1.5 million to defeat the measure by the reporting deadline. Abortion is currently banned in the state, with one exception for abortions necessary to save the life of the mother. Amendment G would legalize abortion while allowing for restrictions in the second trimester of pregnancy and a ban in the third trimester, with mandatory exceptions to protect the life or health of the pregnant woman.



https://southdakotasearchlight.com/2024/11/03/seven-ballot-measures-7-million-and-counting-reports-reveal-total-spending/