All eyes on South Dakota for votes

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2002

South Dakota's Senate and House race have drawn attention long before the current controversy over Indian voter fraud.

The Senate race pits incumbent Tim Johnson, a Democrat, against GOP Congressman John Thune. Each campaign will spend $5 million, a large amount for the state.

The House race has Governor Bill Janklow (R) running against Stephanie Herseth, a Democratic newcomer. Each will end up spending $1 million.

Federal and state investigators are looking into voter registrations and absentee ballots in several counties on or near reservations. There have been numerous allegations of fraud traced to a former worker for the Democratic Party.

Both parties often pay workers for each person registered. Some state lawmakers are calling to outlaw this practice.

Indian voters typically register Democrats and support Democratic candidates. Native Americans make up about 8.3 percent of the state.

Get the Story:
Man accused of voter registration fraud makes court appearance (The Rapid City Journal 10/22)
With Much at Stake, Both Parties Turn to S.D. (The Washington Post 10/22)
Lawmakers condemn registration 'bounties' (The Sioux Falls Argus Leader 10/22)
Voter fraud charges mar Senate race (The Chicago tribune 10/21)
Username: indianz, Password: indianzcom