Constitutional Amendment J — An Amendment to the South Dakota Constitution Clarifying that an Individual Must Be a Citizen of the United States to be Eligible to Vote.
Ballot measure · November 3, 2026
- What it does
- Article VII, § 2 of the South Dakota Constitution defines who is qualified to vote in state elections. Among these qualifications are age, residency, and United States citizenship requirements. Article VII, § 2 also establishes that individuals may be disqualified from voting because of mental incompetence or a felony conviction. This constitutional amendment adds people who are not United States citizens to the list of individuals disqualified from voting, clarifying the existing requirement that only citizens may vote in state elections. Vote “Yes” to adopt the amendment. Vote “No” to leave the Constitution as it is.
- A YES vote means
- A yes vote adds non-citizens to the Constitution's list of people disqualified from voting.
- A NO vote means
- A no vote leaves the Constitution's voter qualification and disqualification language as it is.
- Needed to pass
- A simple majority
- Put on the ballot by
- the Legislature
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Also on South Dakota ballots
- Constitutional Amendment I — An Amendment to the South Dakota Constitution that Repeals Expanded Medicaid Coverage if Federal Funding for the Program Drops below 90%.
- Constitutional Amendment K — An Amendment to the South Dakota Constitution Establishing the Trust for Unclaimed Property Fund.
- Constitutional Amendment L — An Amendment to the South Dakota Constitution Requiring that a Proposed Constitutional Amendment or Revision Receive an Affirmative Vote of Sixty Percent of the Votes Cast.
Quick answers
- What does a YES vote on South Dakota Constitutional Amendment J mean?
- A yes vote adds non-citizens to the Constitution's list of people disqualified from voting.
- What does a NO vote on South Dakota Constitutional Amendment J mean?
- A no vote leaves the Constitution's voter qualification and disqualification language as it is.
- How many votes does South Dakota Constitutional Amendment J need to pass?
- A simple majority
- Should I vote yes or no on South Dakota Constitutional Amendment J?
- SpectrumVote doesn't endorse anyone or tell you how to vote. Read what a YES and a NO vote each do, and the official text, then decide based on what you want to happen.
- When is the vote?
- The general election is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Early voting and mail-ballot deadlines vary by state; check your state or county election office.