If you thought 2016’s ballot was long, be prepared to possibly see double in 2018. South Dakota’s Secretary of State Shantel Krebs says, right now, there could be 18 initiated measures on the ballot.  That, of course, does not include the candidates voters will decide on.

South Dakota’s 17-inch ballot was a big story in 2016, and it could be a real page-turner in 2018. 

“The more ballot questions you get on there, and depending on the length, the title and the explanation from the attorney general’s office; that actually could make the ballot longer and even potentially a two-page ballot,” Krebs said. 

People are currently gathering signatures to bring initiated measures to South Dakota voters.

“Any citizen can initiate an initiated measure or a change in the state constitution. South Dakota was the first state in the nation in 1898 to initiate the initiated measure process,” Krebs said. 

In the past, critics have said long ballots are confusing for voters.  Krebs is not concerned about that. 

“I think the South Dakota voters are smart.  They’re educated and they take the time to look at the initiative to study it ahead of time,” Krebs said. 

Five petitions are currently circulating, including three ballot initiatives to legalize cannabis.  One for medical marijuana. The other two for recreational use. 

Attorney General Marty Jackley says the measures may go against state and federal laws, along with the Constitution.  If that is the case, we wanted to know why they could end up in front of voters. 

“They wouldn’t be able to be declared unconstitutional until, of course, it was passed or not.  And if it was passed, then the courts would be able to determine and would at that time determine if it was unconstitutional,” Krebs said. 

Of course, the Secretary of State’s office must approve all initiated measures. 
The deadline to get something on the ballot is November 6th, 2017, one year before the 2018 general election.  No matter how many things we vote on in the future, Krebs is glad to see so many people interested in the process. 

“The world is run by those that show up.  It’s encouraging South Dakota citizens are involved.  We are very engaged citizens in South Dakota and I appreciate that,” Krebs said.