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2/3 vote.  The proponents of this change believe the same standard should apply to voters and a 2/3 vote should be required.  However, protecting the rights of the majority of voters is the very basis of democracy. This is the basic difference between democratic government of-the-people and representative government of-the-legislature. We should never make laws which make it harder for the voice of the people to speak through the ballot box.  I stood up for the people this past week and argued against what I see as an attempt to take power from the people and which would create minority rule.  There are some other bills coming that attempt to erode our democracy further.  One is a change in the absentee ballot period which would make it more difficult to vote.  I will continue to vote for the people and for democracy.
• Chuck Welke
• SD State Senate
• District 2