A Virginia nonprofit group has significantly outspent local organizations in the campaign for open primaries in South Dakota, raising concerns about the influence of outside money in local elections. Article IV, based in Arlington, has invested over $889,000 in advertising for Amendment H, which aims to reform the state’s primary election system.
Key Takeaways
- Article IV, a Virginia nonprofit, has spent $889,145 on promoting Amendment H in South Dakota.
- The amendment proposes open primaries, allowing all voters to participate regardless of party affiliation.
- Local supporters of open primaries have raised significantly less, with $439,211 spent on advertising.
- Critics argue that the nonprofit’s use of veterans in its campaign materials is misleading.
The Campaign Landscape
Article IV’s campaign efforts include large postcards and online advertisements that feature striking imagery, including soldiers with tape over their mouths. These materials claim that Amendment H would protect veteran voters who are unable to fully participate in the political process. This assertion is tied to South Dakota’s current primary system, which restricts voting based on party affiliation.
Amendment H is one of seven statewide questions on the ballot, proposing a system where all candidates appear on a single ballot, allowing all voters to participate. The top two candidates would advance to the general election, with the top four in multi-winner races.
Local Reactions
Some veterans have criticized Article IV’s campaign tactics, arguing that they exploit veterans for political gain. They emphasize that veterans can currently register with a political party and participate in primaries. While some of Article IV’s materials focus on veterans, others promote the amendment without mentioning them.
Article IV’s Background
Article IV operates as a 501(c)(4) nonprofit, often referred to as a "dark money" group due to its ability to engage in political activities without disclosing its donors. The organization has reported $11 million in revenue and has contributed to various election reform initiatives across the country.
In contrast, local campaign finance data shows that in-state supporters and opponents of open primaries have formed committees that must disclose their funding sources. A pro-open primaries committee has spent $439,211 on advertising, while opponents have spent only $18,481.
The Financial Divide
The Open Primaries committee has raised over $750,000 since May, primarily from a small group of business leaders in Sioux Falls. Notable contributions include:
- $250,000 from Joe Kirby and his wife
- $110,000 from former lawmaker Dave Knudson and his wife
- $100,000 from Marc Merill, co-founder of Riot Games
In contrast, the opposition committee, "Vote No on H," has raised only $90,276, with its largest contribution being $35,000 from a local businessman.
Conclusion
The significant financial backing from the Virginia nonprofit raises questions about the influence of outside money in South Dakota’s elections. As voters head to the polls, the outcome of Amendment H could set a precedent for future electoral reforms in the state, highlighting the ongoing debate over the role of money in politics and the integrity of local elections.
Sources
- Virginia nonprofit outspends in-state groups in South Dakota open primaries campaign, The Daily Progress.
