SOUTH DAKOTA SENATE PASSES

CITIZEN ONLY VOTING AMENDMENT

“COVA” WOULD REQUIRE U.S. CITIZENSHIP IN ANY ELECTION IN SD

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                                                      CONTACT:  JACK TOMCZAK

February 4, 2025                                                                                              202–919-9558

PIERRE, SD – The South Dakota Senate passed the Citizens Only Voting Amendment (COVA) in a 33-2 vote yesterday. SJR 503 is now headed for the South Dakota House of Representatives.

“Voting is a fundamental right and privilege reserved for citizens. This joint resolution will close a loophole in South Dakota’s constitution that possibly would allow non-citizens to vote in local elections in the state.” said chief author Senator Taffy Howard (R-34). “I’m hopeful this will pass the State House and our citizens will be allowed to vote on closing this loophole and securing our elections even further.”

According to University of Kentucky Law School Professor Joshua Douglas, in his law review article “The Right to Vote Under Local Law”, South Dakota Home Rule municipalities have the authority to determine voter eligibility for local elections and could legalize non-citizen voting at the local level without needing approval from the state legislature.

“The South Dakota Senate just sent a loud and clear message: Our elections are for citizens only!” said co-sponsor and election lawyer Senator Amber Hulse (R-30). “No loopholes, no gray areas—only American citizens should decide America’s future. South Dakota is one of few states leading the charge, but every state should follow suit.”

“Make no mistake, there are efforts all over the country to legalize foreign citizen voting. Twenty one cities allow foreign citizens to vote in their local elections,” stated Jack Tomczak, Vice President of Americans for Citizen Voting.

Foreign citizen voting exists in municipalities in states which have not passed a Citizen Only Voting Amendment. City councils in California, Illinois, Maryland, New York, Vermont, and Washington, DC have chosen to let non-citizens vote.

“South Dakotans wholeheartedly support allowing only citizens to vote. From top to bottom, no exceptions.” said House author Representative Logan Manhart (R-1). “We were sent to Pierre to protect and defend the liberties of South Dakotans. I’m proud to do just that by passing this resolution. I anticipate quick passage in the House and then onward to the voters.”

“If the House does not pass SJR 503 South Dakota will remain as the state most vulnerable to legal foreign citizen voting,’ continued Tomczak. “South Dakotans should call or email their state representatives now and ask them to vote for SJR 503.”

Americans for Citizen Voting is a nonpartisan grassroots organization dedicated to helping citizens pass Citizen Only Voting Amendments. In recent years the following states have passed COVA: Alabama, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Iowa,  Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, North Dakota, South Carolina, and Wisconsin. COVA efforts are underway in Arkansas, Indiana, Kansas, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Texas, and West Virginia.

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