Facebook Twitter Email
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2001

The South Dakota State Senate on Tuesday approved the state's new legislative districts.

An attempt to consolidate some districts was rejected after concerns about diluting Native voting power were raised. Republican Senate Leader Barb Everist of Sioux Falls argued against the proposal, saying it would trim the Native population in the legislative district representing the Cheyenne River and Standing Rock reservations.

Everist said the Native population would fall to 55 percent, below the 65 percent standard used to determine if voting rights are being violated.

An attempt to replicate the same kind of single member House district that covers the Cheyenne River and Standing Rock reservations also failed. That special district was created only to make sure Native voters have a voice.

The State House will consider the map today.

Get the Story:
State Senate OKs new districts (The Sioux Falls Argus Leader 10/24)