Summer is just around the corner and that means you and your family will likely be making plans for summer vacations, getaway weekends at the lake, or family reunions and picnics. I know, the calendar can fill up fast as you try to fit in as many activities as possible, but I would like you to make room for one more important date on your calendar; June 5.
June 5 is the South Dakota primary when registered Republicans, Democrats, and Independents can select the candidates who will represent their party during the general election on November 6. There is also going to be a constitutional amendment on the ballot this year so there will be important decisions no matter your party affiliation.
In 2016, America’s electric cooperatives launched an effort called ‘Co-ops Vote’ as a way to encourage more rural voters to register to vote and show up at the polls. The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) reports that 500,000 more voters in co-op territories across the country went to the polls in 2016. That is a half-million more people voicing their concerns about issues such as reliable and affordable electricity, rural infrastructure, and access to rural broadband. These are issues every rural voter can support and issues that hit close to home for voters in co-op country. This June, if you are not registered to vote I ask you to register and turn out at the polls to make your voice heard on these important topics.
So, what will we specifically be voting on during the June 5 primary? Republicans will be selecting candidates they would like to run for South Dakota Governor and the U.S. House of Representatives along with some local legislative candidates and local races. Democrats in northeast South Dakota will also have a few primaries for state legislative races along with city and school board races. Registered Independent voters can vote in the Democratic primary in South Dakota and make their voice heard along with Democrats and Republicans on Constitutional Amendment Y. Constitutional Amendment Y proposes to make several changes to the victims’ rights amendment known as ‘Marsy’s Law’ which was passed during the 2016 election. These are changes every voter in South Dakota will be asked to approve or reject in June.
So, as you make your summer plans please mark June 5 on your calendar as a day to take a few minutes to make some important decisions on issues that will have a big impact on a local, state, and federal level.
