PIERRE, S.D.(SDBA)- A resolution by freshman lawmaker Tyler Tordsen failed to advance through the House State Affairs Committee Wednesday morning.

The resolution would have asked voters whether or not to include the offices of attorney general, secretary of state, public utilities commissioners, auditor, treasurer, and school and public lands commissioner on the primary ballot during the 2024 General Election, challenging the existing convention process.

Tordsen argued that the convention system hindered democracy in South Dakota.
“These positions are too important to let a couple hundred people decide,” Tordsen asserted to committee members.

However, Republican Senator John Wiik, also the state party chair, was one of several members of current Republican party leadership to oppose the effort.  “This isn’t necessary,” said Wiik. “The system we have has given rise to some of the giants in South Dakota politics.”

The proposal’s demise surprised even its staunchest opponents, who anticipated the legislation would at least advance to the House floor.

House Democratic Leader Oren Lesmeister, dismissing the notion of this being a bipartisan problem, urged against attempting to solve a “non-existent issue.”  “We (Democrats) don’t have a problem, please don’t try to solve a
problem that we don’t have,” Leismeister said.

Leismeister would be joined in voting against the measure with his lone Democratic counterpart on the committee, Erin Healy.

The defeat does not mark the end of the potential for electoral reform during this legislative session. Senator Jim Mehlhaff of Pierre and Representative Jessica Bahmuller have introduced a compromise proposal allowing the Governor to choose the Lieutenant Governor without the involvement of convention delegates.

The deadline for new legislation introduction is Jan. 31.