By Dana Hess

For the S.D. Newspaper Association

Constitutional Amendment C, on the June 7 primary ballot in South Dakota, would change the number of votes needed to pass ballot issues that raise taxes and fees. The increased number of votes would also apply to ballot issues that call for the expenditure of $10 million over five years.

Backers of the amendment, which they have dubbed the “taxpayer protection amendment,” say the bar for passing ballot issues that deal with raising taxes and fees should be 60% of the vote. Currently ballot issues pass with a 50% plus one majority.

Those who oppos...