SOUTH DAKOTA – A federal appeals court will take a second look at South Dakota’s controversial ballot petition deadline law after granting the state’s request for a full court review.
The law, approved by state lawmakers last year, moved the deadline for submitting signatures for statewide ballot measures from early May to early February. Supporters say the earlier deadline provides more time to resolve legal challenges before an election.
A group known as Dakotans for Health challenged the law, arguing it limits the amount of time available to collect signatures and violates First Amendment rights. A federal district judge agreed, and in August a three-judge panel of the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld that ruling.
However, Attorney General Marty Jackley requested a review by the full appeals court. That request was granted Thursday, and a new hearing is scheduled for January in St. Louis.
The case could have significant implications for future citizen-led ballot initiatives and constitutional amendment campaigns in South Dakota.
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