South Dakota voters reject I and L, approve J and K

South Dakota voters rejected proposed changes involving Medicaid funding and the threshold for amending the state constitution on Tuesday. They approved separate amendments addressing citizenship requirements for voting and the handling of unclaimed property.

Medicaid and constitutional votes

Amendment I would have changed the state Constitution’s requirement to provide expanded Medicaid coverage if the federal government’s share of the cost falls below 90%. Its defeat leaves the constitutional obligation in place.

Voters approved Medicaid expansion in 2022. The program covers adults with incomes below 138% of the federal poverty level, and the federal government currently pays 90% of the expansion population’s coverage costs.

Supporters of Amendment I argued that the state should not have to cover more of the cost if federal funding declines. Opponents said the proposal could threaten coverage for about 30,000 South Dakotans and create financial difficulties for hospitals, particularly in rural communities.

Voters also rejected Amendment L, preserving the simple-majority standard for future constitutional amendments rather than adopting a 60% threshold.

Citizenship and unclaimed property

Amendment J passed, adding language to the state Constitution stating that only U.S. citizens may vote in state and local elections or on questions submitted to voters. Noncitizens were already prohibited from voting in South Dakota elections. The amendment concerns citizenship eligibility, not identification requirements at the polls.

Amendment K also passed. It creates a permanent constitutional trust fund for eligible unclaimed-property money held by the state, including assets from forgotten accounts, stocks and uncashed checks.

The state treasurer will deposit eligible money after paying claims, covering expenses authorized by law and making designated general-fund deposits. The trust’s principal will be protected, while a portion of its interest and income may be transferred.