VDA Testimony to SD Senate State Affairs Committee Hearing on Feb 10 in Support of SB 91

On February 10, I testified (in person) before the SD Senate State Affairs Committee in Pierre and delivered the following statement in support of SB 91:

“Good morning, Mr. Chair and members of the Committee. Thanks for having me here today.

My name is Zebadiah Johnson, I’m from Sioux Falls, SD, and I’m here on behalf of the Voter Defense Association of South Dakota, and we are in support of SB 91..

The VDA supports SB 91 as sound policy for South Dakota’s initiative process.

So, under the current statutory system, each petition largely looks different from every other petition. Some are single 8.5x11 standard sheets of paper, while others are much larger “booklets,” so 11x22 with four separate sides.  This inconsistency, while workable, is not especially beneficial for signers, administrators, or initiative campaigns themselves. 

Further, this bill establishes requirements that petitions include the title on both sides – a simple policy change that will allow voters to easily ascertain what petitioners are asking them to sign and increase transparency within the initiative process. 

This bill creates a system where petitions are single-sheet, easily identifiable pages that include the exact same information voters use when casting their ballots on a ballot question, which is not currently the case. To us, increased consistency and transparency in our initiative process is beneficial for all parties involved in the process. 

We would ask that you support this bill. Thank you.”

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