S.D. Attorney General Ballot Explanation for Amendment K for Secret Ballot Upheld

PIERRE, S.D.-   Attorney General Marty J. Jackley announced Circuit Judge John L. Brown has denied the AFL-CIO’s request to have Constitutional Amendment K omitted from the general election ballot for this November. The Court further upheld the Attorney General’s ballot explanation for Constitutional Amendment K. The Court also dismissed Secretary of State Chris Nelson on the basis that he had fulfilled all of his statutory duties.   

“It is for the People of South Dakota to decide whether or not our Constitution should guarantee the right to vote by secret ballot. This fundamental principle has been upheld by today’s ruling,” stated Attorney General Marty J. Jackley. 

During the 2010 Legislative Session, a joint resolution was passed by the Senate and House of Representatives to submit to the electors of South Dakota, an amendment to the State Constitution relating to the right of individuals to vote by secret ballot. The proposed amendment would guarantee a right to vote by secret ballot to prevent others from knowing how a person voted.  This right would apply to elections of public officers, adoption initiative or referred measures, and elections to designate or authorize employee representation, such as elections concerning unions. All Attorney General ballot explanations for the November 2010 election are on file with the Secretary of State’s Office and may be reviewed at  http://www.sdsos.gov/electionsvoteregistration/upcomingelection_ballotquestionstatus2010.shtm