Supporters of a “top two” primary system in South Dakota have submitted thousands more petition signatures than required to bring a vote this fall on their ballot initiative. The proposed system, already in place in states like California and Washington, would allow candidates from all parties to appear on a single, nonpartisan ballot, with the top two advancing to the general election regardless of affiliation. Deanna “De” Knudson, a registered Republican sponsoring the measure, believes that the current nomination system excludes many voters from the real race, making it a fairness issue.
South Dakota Open Primaries sponsors submitted 47,000 signatures to Secretary of State Monae Johnson’s office, well surpassing the 35,017 valid signatures required to make the November ballot. Under the current primary election system in South Dakota, candidates compete in partisan primaries, while the proposed measure would allow all candidates to compete in a single primary, with the top two advancing to the general election. Similar measures have failed in the past, but supporters are hopeful for success this time around.
States like California and Washington already have “top two” primary elections similar to the proposed measure in South Dakota. Deanna “De” Knudson feels that the current system in South Dakota is unfair and excludes half of the voters from the real race. Republicans currently control South Dakota’s Legislature and hold all statewide elected offices and congressional seats, with Democrats struggling to win statewide elections in recent years. The measure aims to create a fairer and more competitive process to ensure that the winning candidate represents the majority of South Dakotans.
State Republican Party Chairman and state Sen. John Wiik opposes the measure, stating that he sees no benefit for the Republican Party in implementing a “top two” primary system. He believes that Republicans should be able to choose the Republican candidate, and Democrats the Democratic candidate, without interference from independent or non-affiliated voters. However, supporters of the measure argue that it would lead to a more competitive process, ensuring that the winning candidate is one that most South Dakotans agree on.
Knudson believes that the measure will address the imbalance of power in the Legislature, where Democrats hold only 11 of 105 seats, despite nearly 150,000 voters being registered as having no party affiliation or being independent. The State Democratic Party Executive Director, Dan Ahlers, has not taken a stance on the measure, but the party allows voters with no party affiliation or who are independent to vote in its primary alongside registered Democrats. The measure aims to create a more inclusive and fair primary system that better represents the will of South Dakota voters.
Overall, the proposed “top two” primary system in South Dakota has garnered significant support, with thousands more signatures than required being submitted in favor of the measure. Supporters hope that the initiative will bring a more competitive and fair electoral process, allowing candidates from all parties to compete on equal footing. While there is opposition from some within the Republican Party, proponents argue that the measure will lead to a more representative government that aligns with the wishes of the majority of South Dakotans.
