South Dakota

✓ Initiative Process Available

✅

Citizen Initiative

✅

Referendum

✅

Constitutional Amend.

✅

Statute Initiative

Initiative Rules & Requirements

Signature Requirement: 35,017 signatures required.
Filing Deadline: May 5, 2026.
Filing Office: https://sdsos.gov/elections-voting/upcoming-elections/ballot-measures/default.aspx
Filing Fee: $0
Review Process: LRC (Legislative Research Council) reviews the text for style and form.
Subject Restrictions: Single-subject; cannot appropriate money.
Distribution Rules: None.
Circulator Rules: Must be a resident (30 days) and 18+.
Ballot Title Process: Attorney General prepares the title and explanation.

Last verified: 3/29/2026

Signature Requirement: 17,508 signatures required.
Filing Deadline: May 5, 2026.
Filing Office: https://sdsos.gov/elections-voting/upcoming-elections/ballot-measures/default.aspx
Filing Fee: $0
Review Process: LRC (Legislative Research Council) reviews the text for style and form.
Subject Restrictions: Single-subject; cannot appropriate money.
Distribution Rules: None.
Circulator Rules: Must be a resident (30 days) and 18+.
Ballot Title Process: Attorney General prepares the title and explanation.

Notes: South Dakota was the first state to adopt the initiative (1898) and maintains low signature thresholds.

Last verified: 3/29/2026

Signature Requirement: Statutory: 17,508; Constitutional: 35,017 signatures required.
Filing Deadline: May 5, 2026.
Filing Office: https://sdsos.gov/elections-voting/upcoming-elections/ballot-measures/default.aspx
Filing Fee: $0
Review Process: LRC (Legislative Research Council) reviews the text for style and form.
Subject Restrictions: Single-subject; cannot appropriate money.
Distribution Rules: None.
Circulator Rules: Must be a resident (30 days) and 18+.
Ballot Title Process: Attorney General prepares the title and explanation.

Last verified: 3/29/2026