VIEWPOINT | Amendment H promotes deception, fewer options

Guest column by Dan Ahlers, South Dakota Democratic Party

In a recent VIEWPOINT, Drey Samuelson outlined why voters should support Amendment H. His entire argument is based on speculation and faulty reasoning that leads to an invalid conclusion. It reminds me of the salesman with the elixir that cures all your ills, but in reality, it contains ingredients of  questionable effectiveness and safety. Amendment H does not guarantee more moderate candidates or higher voter engagement. This measure encourages voter deception and limits the number of choices voters will have on a general election ballot.  

First, it is important to note that election primaries are a creation of political parties to elect their  candidate to the general election ballot. Libertarians elect many of their candidates through the  convention process. Independent candidates can completely bypass the primary process. Contrary to Mr. Samuelson’s assertion that H will let independents vote in a South Dakota primary for the first  time, the South Dakota Democratic Party has allowed Independents to vote in our primary for more than a decade. And nothing prevents a voter from re-registering, which sometimes happens, to vote in a primary of their choosing. 

VIEWPOINT | Amendment H aids democracy, not hurts the Democratic Party