South Dakota Voters Approve Constitutional Ban on Non-Citizen Voting
South Dakota voters approved Amendment J, a state constitutional ban preventing non-U.S. citizens from voting, with 62% of the vote. The measure was supported by lawmakers concerned about potential loopholes, though opponents felt existing laws made it unnecessary.
Sioux Falls, SD, November 4, 2026 — South Dakota voters have approved Amendment J, a measure that amends the state constitution to prohibit non-U.S. citizens from voting in elections. The constitutional ban received 62% of the vote in its approval.
The passage of Amendment J reflects concerns voiced by some lawmakers regarding potential loopholes in existing election laws. Supporters of the amendment argued for its necessity to clearly define voting eligibility within the state’s foundational legal document.
However, opponents of the measure contended that current statutes already sufficiently addressed the issue of non-citizen voting, making the constitutional amendment redundant. The specific details of these existing laws and the potential loopholes that Amendment J aims to close were not detailed in the information provided.
Following the vote, Amendment J is now part of the South Dakota state constitution, establishing a clear prohibition against non-U.S. citizens participating in state and local elections. Further legislative action or interpretation may be required to fully implement and enforce the constitutional change.
Story summarized from the original created by South Dakota Searchlight staff on southdakotasearchlight.com, see more information here.
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