Poll Reveals Strong Opposition to New Men’s State Prison in Lincoln County
A recent statewide poll shows that more than half of South Dakotans oppose the proposed construction of a new men’s state prison in rural Lincoln County. The survey, co-sponsored by South Dakota News Watch and the Chiesman Center for Democracy at the University of South Dakota, indicates that 52% of voters are against using the Lincoln County site, while only 34% support it.
The South Dakota Department of Corrections began site preparations for the $825 million project in early 2023, but concerns from state legislators and local residents have led Governor Larry Rhoden to announce a "reset" on the project. In response, Rhoden established a task force chaired by Lt. Governor Tony Venhuizen to explore alternative locations ahead of a special legislative session on July 22.
Opposition is particularly pronounced in the Sioux Falls Metro area, where 57% of respondents oppose the plan. Community members, like local resident Tom Eiesland, express fears over the adverse impact on their neighborhoods.
The poll reflects a broader trend of discontent with government responsiveness, with 45% of participants indicating that legislators failed to address residents’ concerns during the last session. Democratic Party leaders pointed to these results as evidence of a significant disconnect between the GOP-dominated Legislature and the populace.
Amid growing grassroots movements advocating for property rights, resistance has also arisen against various initiatives, including a proposed ballot measure aiming to raise the threshold for passing constitutional amendments to 60%. While 47% of voters support this measure, 40% oppose it.
As South Dakota grapples with these pressing issues, the public remains engaged and divided, highlighting the complexities of governance in the state. For continuous updates and detailed analysis, please visit South Dakota News Watch’s website.
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