Proposing and submitting to the voters at the next general election an amendment to the Constitution of the State of South Dakota, requiring that a constitutional amendment receive an affirmative vote of sixty percent of the votes cast before the measure is enacted.
Impact
The proposed amendment would impact how voters engage with ballot measures in South Dakota. By requiring a higher level of consensus for constitutional amendments, proponents argue that it would ensure that only amendments with broad support would be enacted, potentially fostering stability within the state’s constitutional framework. This could lead to fewer changes being made to the Constitution, thereby preserving its core tenets and preventing frequent or partisan-driven alterations.
Summary
HJR5003 is a proposed joint resolution that seeks to amend the Constitution of South Dakota. Specifically, the resolution aims to require any constitutional amendment to be approved by an affirmative vote of sixty percent of the votes cast in an election before it can take effect. This change is significant as it raises the voting threshold from a simple majority to a supermajority, fundamentally altering how constitutional amendments can be enacted in the state.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding HJR5003 appears to be mixed among lawmakers and constituents. Supporters of the resolution argue that a higher voting threshold protects the integrity of the Constitution, ensuring that significant changes reflect a more comprehensive consensus among voters. Opponents, however, may view this as an unnecessary barrier that could hinder the democratic process, making it more difficult for citizens to enact reforms that reflect their will.
Contention
One notable point of contention regarding HJR5003 is the implications of increasing the voting threshold for constitutional amendments. Critics raise concerns that such a requirement could disproportionately affect minority opinions and initiatives aimed at reforming various aspects of state law. Additionally, it raises fundamental questions about accessibility and representation in the democratic process, as a supermajority could render many voter-driven initiatives practically unattainable.
Proposing and submitting to the voters at the next general election an amendment to the Constitution of the State of South Dakota, requiring an intervening general election occur before an initiated constitutional amendment that is substantially similar to an initiated amendment that was previously voted on and rejected may be submitted to a vote of the electors.
Proposing and submitting to the voters at the next general election, an amendment to the Constitution of the State of South Dakota, to limit the placement of restrictions on the right to bear arms.
Proposing and submitting to the electors at the next general election an amendment to the Constitution of the State of South Dakota, updating references to certain officeholders and persons.
Proposing and submitting to the voters at the next general election an amendment to the Constitution of the State of South Dakota, requiring all non-judicial offices elected by a statewide vote to be nominated at a primary election.
Proposing and submitting to the voters at the next general election, an amendment to the Constitution of the State of South Dakota, authorizing the state to impose work requirements on certain individuals who are eligible for expanded Medicaid.
Proposing and submitting to the voters at the next general election, an amendment to the Constitution of the State of South Dakota, to address the right of citizens to bear arms.
Proposing and submitting to the voters at the next general election an amendment to the Constitution of the State of South Dakota revising the process by which a legislative vacancy is filled.
Proposing and submitting to the voters at the next general election a new section to Article VI of the Constitution of the State of South Dakota, relating to the right of a person to reject certain medical procedures.
Proposing and submitting to the voters at the next general election an amendment to the Constitution of the State of South Dakota, underscoring that an individual must be a citizen of the United States to be eligible to vote.
Proposing and submitting to the voters at the next general election an amendment to the Constitution of the State of South Dakota revising the process by which a legislative vacancy is filled.