Pro and con voices on a ballot question that would raise the bar for changing the state constitution

One of four ballot questions voters will consider on Nov. 3 would make it harder for state constitutional amendments to pass. South Dakota lawmakers can place amendments on the ballot, and so can citizens if they collect enough signatures from registered South Dakota voters.Ballot questions currently need a simple majority from voters to pass, but Amendment L would change that. If it passes — ironically with a simple majority — future ballot questions would need 60% support from voters for approval.Supporters of the measure, including state Rep. John Hughes, R-Sioux Falls, say voters have been putting too much policy in the constitution, which should be reserved for the structure and functions of government. The Republican-dominated Legislature voted to place Amendment L on the ballot. Opponents, including Dakota Rural Action’s Chase Jensen, say Republican lawmakers want to prevent voters from passing amendments — like one requiring Medicaid expansion, which passed four years ago — that the lawmakers don’t like.A “yes” vote on the ballot question will require all future amendments to receive 60% support from voters to be added to the state constitution. A “no” vote would keep the threshold at a simple majority.