HARTFORD, S.D. (WNAX) – The incoming Chair of the South Dakota Democratic Party says they need to refine their message to attract voters.

Paula Hawks says there are issues that interest potential party members.

Democrats have fallen over 100,000 registered voters behind Republicans in the last year.

Hawks says because of that they have lost the ability to set any agenda.

Democrats have had some success with ballot issues like the minimum wage and campaign finance reform. Hawks says they can’t rely on that process in the future.

Hawks, from Hartford, starts her new position on May 1.