Proponent Arguments

Amendment E will rightfully update the language within our State Constitution to reflect our elected and appointed officials pertaining to the office in which they hold.

South Dakota has a long history of strong female representation in all three branches of government, and the Constitution should accurately reflect these esteemed members of our government.

As a mother of a little girl in South Dakota, I want all young women to realize that they can grow up to do anything they set their mind to, and they too have potential to lead our State in their profession and/or politics.

I urge the South Dakota voters to vote “yes” for this amendment. Such a vote would be a show of respect for our state’s past, present, and future female leaders!

Erin Tobin, State Senator, District 21

Opponent Arguments

Amendment E is an unnecessary change to language in our South Dakota Constitution.

The reference to “he” in our Constitution is simply a singular pronoun. The historic use of gereric male pronouns in our constitution is proper style and form and clearly does not exclude or hinder women from holding public office.

While this seems like a minor change now, opening up the constitution in order to correct pronouns will not accomplish anything substantive, but will cost taxpayer dollars to reprint materials that are already effective in their current form.

Liz May, State Representative, District 27