Researching Initiatives and Referendums: A Guide for South Dakota

In 1898 the people of South Dakota approved the first constitutional amendment among the several existing states that reserved to the electors legislative powers previously within the sole control of the elected assembly. The amendment gave South Dakota the distinction of being the first in the Union to provide initiative and referendum to the electorate. South Dakota continues to be a state that widely employs the initiative and referendum as a tool for direct government. This article outlines the history of I&R, the basics of its use in this State, and how to locate the documents related to it.