Media Coverage: The Voter Defense Association of South Dakota launches its campaign against Amendment L.
On Thursday, May 15th, the Voter Defense Association launched its campaign against Amendment L. Amendment L, which will be on the ballot in November 2026, is a legislatively referred ballot measure that would require a 60% supermajority vote to approve a constitutional amendment. Currently, constitutional amendments in South Dakota require a simple majority (more than 50%) of votes to be approved.
Check out the media coverage on the campaign launch below:
The Argus Leader
5/15/25: New Amendment L campaign enables 'low-minded' changes to SD Constitution, lawmaker says
“‘The debate over Amendment L really boils down to one simple question: Should 40 percent of voters be able to control our state constitution in perpetuity?’ Schweich said. ‘Amendment L is the latest in a series of attempts by the South Dakota Legislature to limit the power that South Dakota voters have over their government.’”
“‘If the Legislature is concerned about the role of money in South Dakota politics, they should pass campaign finance laws, and they should support policies at the federal level that actually allow states to make their own decisions on campaign finance,’ Schweich said.”
Keloland
5/15/25: Voters show concern for Amendment L
“‘It’s really about this more fundamental question about how our democracy works. Should every South Dakotan’s vote count equally? It’s one person, one vote. Do we believe in the will of the people? If 50% support it, should that take effect?’ said Matthew Schweich, Chairman and President, VDA.”
Dakota News Now
5/15/25: Voter Defense Association begins 2026 election campaign against Amendment L
“‘It comes down to a more fundamental principle, what power should the South Dakota voters have over their constitution? We think that if a majority of voters want to amend their constitution, they should have the right to do so,’ Schweich said.”
South Dakota Searchlight
5/15/25: Raising constitutional amendment vote threshold would backfire, says newly formed opposition group
”Matthew Schweich, president of the Voter Defense Association, said the amendment would ensure the ‘tyranny of the minority’ in the state.”
“‘If Amendment L takes effect and constitutional amendments require 60%, the only people who will be able to attempt them are big money, out-of-state groups, because they will have the resources to run all of the ads necessary to hit 60%,’ Schweich said.”
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