South Dakota 2024 Regular Session

South Dakota House Bill HJR5001

Introduced
1/12/24  
Refer
1/12/24  

Caption

Proposing and submitting to the voters at the next general election an amendment to the Constitution of the State of South Dakota, requiring all non-judicial offices elected by a statewide vote to be nominated at a primary election.

Impact

The implications of HJR5001 are multifaceted. By mandating that statewide candidates be nominated solely via primaries, the bill aims to enhance the simplicity of the electoral process for voters. This could lead to more organized elections and potentially diminish the influence of political party endorsements in the general elections. However, it also raises questions about the access and quality of representation for candidates who may not have a broad party platform, as well as concerns about candidates advancing from primaries with limited support from their political parties.

Summary

HJR5001, proposed by Representative Tordsen, is a joint resolution that seeks to amend the Constitution of South Dakota by requiring all non-judicial offices that are elected by a statewide vote to be nominated exclusively through a primary election. If enacted, this amendment would place a significant change on how candidates for key offices, including the United States Senate, United States House of Representatives, and state executive roles, are chosen, shifting the nomination process entirely to a primary election format. This move is framed around the notion of providing clarity and reducing the potential for confusion among voters regarding candidate endorsements during general elections.

Contention

The discussions surrounding HJR5001 may include notable points of contention. Critics might argue that this decision centralizes control in the primary election process, which could suppress the diversity of candidate selection in the general elections and diminish voter choice. There might also be concerns about how this change affects representational equity, particularly concerning less mainstream candidates who may struggle to gain visibility in a primary-only nomination process. Furthermore, implementing this amendment could necessitate substantial procedural changes to current election laws, raising additional challenges for the state's legislative framework.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

SD HJR5003

Proposing and submitting to the voters at the next general election an amendment to the Constitution of the State of South Dakota, requiring that a constitutional amendment receive an affirmative vote of sixty percent of the votes cast before the measure is enacted.

SD SJR508

Proposing and submitting to the voters at the next general election, amendments to the Constitution of the State of South Dakota, removing the lieutenant governor as presiding officer of the Senate.

SD SJR507

Proposing and submitting to the voters at the next general election an amendment to the Constitution of the State of South Dakota, providing for wagering on sporting events via mobile or electronic platform.

SD SJR504

Proposing and submitting to the voters at the next general election an amendment to the Constitution of the State of South Dakota, providing for wagering on sporting events via mobile or electronic platform.

SD SJR503

Proposing and submitting to the voters at the next general election an amendment to the Constitution of the State of South Dakota, clarifying that an individual must be a citizen of the United States to be eligible to vote.

SD SJR504

Proposing and submitting to the voters at the next general election an amendment to the Constitution of the State of South Dakota, requiring a number of signatures on a petition to initiate a constitutional amendment be obtained from each county.

SD SJR506

Proposing and submitting to the voters at the next general election an amendment to the Constitution of the State of South Dakota, limiting to a flat rate the real property taxes.

SD HJR5002

Proposing and submitting to the voters at the next general election an amendment to the Constitution of the State of South Dakota, repealing the requirement to provide expanded medicaid.

SD SJR505

Proposing and submitting to the voters at the next general election an amendment to the Constitution of the State of South Dakota, establishing the trust for unclaimed property fund.

SD HJR5006

Proposing and submitting to the voters at the next general election amendments to the Constitution of the State of South Dakota, requiring an intervening general election before consideration of an initiated constitutional amendment or initiated measure having the same subject as a previously rejected initiated amendment or measure.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.