State Legislators are clarifying rules on the gathering of signatures for political petitions. Lawmakers are trying to define what constitutes the buying of signatures.
The issue of buying signatures stems from an incident in Pierre where a bar-owner allegedly traded beer for signing a political petition. Lawmakers on the House Local Government Committee say the practice is okay but only as long as certain requirements are met.
Secretary of State Jason Gant says the law needs to be distinct.
“If you’re hosting an event at your house and you invite some of your neighbors to come over and you’re going to tell them, “I’m going to run for the Legislature and I’d love your support – by the way here’s a petition will you please sign this so that I can have my name on the ballot.” I think you can clearly distinguish between that situation and where you would host something that says, “You can come to my house and I’ll give you a cup of coffee only if you sign my petition,” says Gant.
No opponents spoke against the bill in Committee. The bill went on to pass the House Local Government Committee unanimously. The bill goes next to the House floor.