Supporters of a “top two” primary election system in South Dakota that would replace the current partisan process with one open to all voters have submitted thousands more petition signatures than required to bring a vote this fall on their ballot initiative.
On Monday, South Dakota Open Primaries sponsors said they submitted petitions with 47,000 signatures to Secretary of State Monae Johnson’s office. The measure group needs 35,017 valid signatures to make the November ballot. Johnson’s office has until Aug. 13 to validate the measure, a proposed constitutional amendment.
Under South Dakota’s current primary election system, candidates in gubernatorial, congressional, legislative and county races compete in a partisan primary. The measure would allow all candidates to compete against each other in one primary, and the top two vote-getters in each race or for each seat would advance to the general election. A similar measure failed in 2016.
Infuriated Ukrainians demand end to lifeline that lets Russian POWs phone home
Mountain and river carnival kicks off in western Beijing
2nd Hong Kong pop culture festival to open on April 6
Tardy claims maiden LPGA title at Blue Bay in China
Unai Emery signs new contract at Aston Villa until 2029
Cambodia plans to add 7 tangible, 3 intangible cultural properties to UNESCO's heritage listing: PM
Tax Day 2024: Here's what to do if you can't pay your taxes by the deadline
Eberl looking to steer Bayern back to calmer waters
New Caledonia: France lifts state of emergency in effort to allow political dialogue
Island welcomes tourists after green upgrade
Tesco customers are outraged after 'offensive' change to Meal Deal
China's golden week glitters with booming tourism, cultural consumption