Seven ballot measures, $7 million and counting: Reports reveal total spending

Joshua Haiar
| South Dakota searchlight

According to an analysis by South Dakota Searchlight, campaigns in South Dakota spent a total of about $7 million this year through the Oct. 21 reporting deadline, and they have likely spent millions more since then, which won't be fully disclosed until next year's spending reports January.

South Dakota residents will consider seven statewide ballot questions in the Nov. 5 general election.

Groups advocating for an open primary system were the biggest donors at the deadline, providing about $1.6 million to persuade voters to vote “yes” on Amendment H. The amendment would change future primaries so that all candidates, regardless of party, would do so on a single ballot open to all voters. The top two vote-getters would advance to the general election. The top four would advance in two-winner races, such as state House districts.

The “no” abortion rights groups had spent about $1.5 million by the reporting deadline to defeat the measure. Abortions are currently banned in the state, with an exception for abortions necessary to save the mother's life. Amendment G would legalize abortion while allowing restrictions in the second trimester of pregnancy and a ban in the third trimester of pregnancy, with mandatory exceptions to protect the life or health of the pregnant woman.

Proponents of a law that would impose new regulations on carbon dioxide pipelines, known as “Referred Law 21,” had spent more than $1.4 million to secure “yes” votes by the filing deadline. The bill would provide financial and other protections for landowners and counties affected by pipelines. This would also help maintain a regulatory path for a carbon pipeline that is supported by the ethanol industry and opposed by some landowners along the route.

Proponents of marijuana legalization for adults, Initiated Measure 29, had spent more than $920,000 by the filing deadline.

In addition to these highest spending groups, several others reported spending under $400,000.

One was Dakotans for Health, a voting committee that supports both the abortion rights measure, Amendment G, and Initiated Measure 28, which the group describes as repealing state sales taxes on food. The group reported more than $270,000 in expenses as of the filing deadline, without distinguishing spending on one campaign or another.

Election committees are required to submit supplemental fundraising reports in the days before the election. These reports reflect significant recent activity, such as $500,000 donations from out-of-state groups to both the pro- and anti-abortion sides. Further committee reports detailing spending are not due until January 31.

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