Polls

A bill that would have allocated $763 million from the state’s prison construction fund for the project recently failed in the South Dakota House. Supporters argue the new facility is needed to address overcrowding and outdated conditions, while opponents cite the high cost and question the need for a new prison. Do you support the construction of a new men’s prison in Lincoln County?

Last week, the South Dakota House advanced a bill that would remove legal protections for libraries, schools, museums, and their employees if children access books that meet the legal definition of “harmful to minors.” Without these protections, librarians and educators could face prosecution, up to a year in jail, and a $2,000 fine. Do you support this bill?

With multiple plane crashes in the last several weeks, including another one early this week, are you now more hesitant to fly?

A SD Senate committee advanced a bill Monday that would allow people to carry concealed pistols on technical college and public university campuses. Policies in both systems currently prohibit guns and other dangerous weapons on campus. Would you support such a bill?

New District 1 Representative Logan Manhart recently introduced HB 1201. The bill would require school counselors or staff to notify a student's parent or guardian when providing direct counseling services. Notification would also be required if new topics arise during sessions or if discussions involve subjects such as gender identity, gender dysphoria, homosexuality, or transsexuality. Would you support his bill?

Last week, President Trump signed an Executive Order directing the Director of National Intelligence and other relevant officials to present a plan within 15 days for the full and complete release of all John F. Kennedy assassination records. Do you agree with the Trump administration's decision to release classified documents surrounding JFK's assassination?

This week, in a wave of pardons during the transition between President Biden and former President Trump, Trump granted clemency to approximately 1,500 individuals convicted of crimes related to the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. This move fulfilled his long-standing promise to pardon those involved. Do you agree with his decision to grant these pardons?

Both locally and nationwide, there has been a lot of discussion about library materials in schools in the recent months and years. Considering your own local school districts, are you concerned about library materials that are housed at and hosted by your school, including online materials, to the point you think some should be reassessed and possibly blocked?

GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, originally developed for diabetes, are increasingly used for weight loss. State Medicaid programs are debating whether to cover these drugs, citing potential health benefits and long-term cost savings. However, some researchers question whether they truly reduce healthcare costs over time. Do you think Medicaid should cover these drugs for weight loss?

The post-Christmas haze is waning but is your Christmas tree still standing? During a typical year, how long do you leave your Christmas tree up after the holiday?

Does watching John McClane take on terrorists while Christmas lights twinkle in the background brings you holiday cheer? The debate over whether “Die Hard” is a Christmas movie has been going strong for years, and it largely depends on how you define a "Christmas movie." Settle the debate, is Die Hard indeed a Christmas movie?

Here are some points for both sides:

Yes, it's a Christmas movie:
Setting: The entire movie takes place during a Christmas party on Christmas Eve.
Music: The soundtrack includes Christmas songs like "Let It Snow" and "Winter Wonderland."
Themes: There are elements of family, redemption, and love—common themes in Christmas movies—as John McClane fights to reunite with his wife.
Holiday Atmosphere: There are Christmas decorations, references to the holiday, and even iconic moments like "Now I have a machine gun. Ho-Ho-Ho."

No, it's not a Christmas movie:
Core Story: The film is primarily an action movie, with its central plot focusing on a hostage crisis, not Christmas.
Genre Expectations: Traditional Christmas movies often revolve around the holiday spirit, miracles, or lessons tied specifically to Christmas.
Timing: The movie wasn’t marketed as a Christmas movie upon release, and its appeal doesn’t rely on the holiday season.

Earlier this week, three Senate Democrats introduced a constitutional amendment to install a nationwide popular vote in presidential elections and abolish the Electoral College. Do you think that the president should be decided by popular vote rather than the Electoral college?

The amendment would need two-thirds majority in both houses to pass plus then be ratified by three-fourths of the states.