In states without the referendum and initiative, citizens who don’t like a decision must wait
until the next election and then vote out officials. In South Dakota, democracy is more direct.
The people can directly propose laws, amend laws or immediately veto legislation.

"Denying the right of referral is simply a way to deny the will of the people.".

Senator Clarence Kooistra

"We want to guarantee people the right to vote and this initiative will do the job properly."

attorney and former U. S. Senator James Abourezk

“South Dakotans want some control over their lives and their future. The people of four counties have now said they want the right to refer county conditional use permits. The state supreme court has said we have this right, yet counties keep refusing it. Our initiative makes it clear that we do have this right to vote on the things that effect our lives and our future. Our initiative is democracy in action.”

Luanne Napton, South Dakota Resources Coalition

“All feedlots are not created equal. The people need to retain their right to have a say on controversial permits. At the same time, producers need to know what to expect before breaking ground. Giving voters 20 days to collect signatures to put an issue on the ballot after a permit is approved is fair to both sides.”

Bill Du Bois, I-29ers for Quality of Life

"South Dakota voters will have every reason to be proud of supporting this basic right to self-determination. Make no mistake, this is about the very future and survival of family agriculture in our great state. Unfortunately, the political leadership of South Dakota has once again ignored our citizens, forcing the people to assert their rights through this initiative."

Jerry Munson, former mayor of Rapid City (2001-2003)

"The right to vote always supercedes the right of some CAFO's to grow. People have the right to live in their own homes without having to worry about the bad side effects of CAFOS too close to their livng areas."

Senator Frank Kloucek

"'Under God the People Rule” is our state motto. To maintain the referral and initiative process at the local level is a vital part of what a democratic society is all about. The Alliance for Our Future places a strong trust in our state motto. We feel confident that the voters of South Dakota do so also."

Charlie Johnson, farmer, Madison

"We have lost over 1700 American lives in Iraq so the Iraqis could have the right to vote. Now, they are trying to take away the right to vote at home."

Bob Weber, former legislator, Clear Lake

In another matter of concern, the legislature is sending a meaure to voters that would
DOUBLE the number of citizen signatures required to get an issue on the ballot.

Opponents of rural democracy say we're voting more now than ever.
That's not true. Take a look for yourself.

The History of Statewide Ballot Initiatives and Referendums

"We are cleaning house and in order to clean house, the one thing we need is a good broom. Initiative and referendum are good brooms."

President Woodrow Wilson

"I believe in the Initiative and Referendum, which should be used not to destroy representative government, but to correct it whenever it becomes misrepresentative."

President Teddy Roosevelt

"Initiative and referendum...make it possible for the people to have what they want … we are the world’s teacher in democracy; … the world looks to us for an example. We cannot ask others to trust the people unless we ourselves are willing to trust them.”

William Jennings Bryan