PIERRE, SD – A South Dakota House panel has rejected a proposed constitutional amendment that sought to divide all legislative districts into two separate House districts that would each elect its own representative. All districts but two now elect one member of the Senate and two members of the House who represent the entire district. The main sponsor of the proposal, Democratic Rep. Peggy Gibson of Huron, says each Senate district should be divided into separate House districts so representatives would live closer to their constituents. She says voters now are confused when they have to vote for two House members. The measure was defeated mostly along party lines when Republican lawmakers said they see no need to change the current system.
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