Question 1

What does Amendment L do?

Accepted Answer

Amendment L is a South Dakota 2026 ballot measure that raises the approval requirement for constitutional amendments from a simple majority (50% + 1) to 60%.

Question 2

Don't we need to protect the Constitution?

Accepted Answer

We already do. Most amendments fail, and existing safeguards ensure only widely supported changes pass.

Question 3

Will it stop outside money?

Accepted Answer

No. Higher thresholds often increase campaign costs and reliance on large donors.

Question 4

Why keep majority rule?

Accepted Answer

Because democracy works best when the majority decides.

Question 5

Haven't voters rejected this before?

Accepted Answer

Yes. South Dakota voters rejected similar proposals in 2018 and 2022 — Amendment L is the third try in 7 years.

Question 6

How does Amendment L affect South Dakota voters?

Accepted Answer

It would let a 41% minority block changes the majority supports, making citizen-initiated amendments much harder to pass and shifting power away from voters.

Question 7

What is the 60% threshold in Amendment L?

Accepted Answer

Amendment L would require 60% voter approval — instead of a simple majority — to pass any future South Dakota constitutional amendment.

Question 8

Does Amendment L weaken citizen-initiated amendments?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The citizen-initiated amendment process is one of the main ways South Dakotans bypass the legislature. A 60% threshold makes citizen-led reforms far harder to enact.

Question 9

When is the vote on Amendment L?

Accepted Answer

Amendment L is on the South Dakota 2026 general election ballot. Vote NO to keep majority rule.

Frequently Asked Questions about Amendment L