Your week, simplified: Nov. 6, 2024

Megan Raposa -

Happy Wednesday! Megan here.

Weather check: Chilly

This week, it's all about election results. I've got the rundown of what we know so far about who's representing the Sioux Falls area in Pierre, how ballot measures shook out, and a quick look at overall turnout. And, however you're feeling this morning, you can also find some fun in our weekly event guide.

And now, news:

ELECTIONS

Who's representing Sioux Falls in the state legislature?

Simplified: Statewide, Republicans maintained their majority in the South Dakota legislature. In the Sioux Falls area, though, many races are still yet to be decided as of 6:30 a.m. Wednesday.

Why it matters

  • The individuals who'll represent folks in the House and Senate are the closest the average citizen can get to having an impact on statewide policies.
  • While a handful of races were either uncontested or decided in the primary, there are some that remain a toss-up as only about 10% of the votes in Minnehaha County had been counted as of early Wednesday morning. You can continue to watch those results roll in here.
    • Note: This story will be updated throughout the day as results come in, so feel free to check back.

So, who's representing me?

ELECTIONS

How did ballot measures shake out?

Simplified: The word of the day was, "No" for many South Dakotans as voters shot down six out of seven ballot measures – rejecting everything from updated gender references in the state constitution to abortion access to legal pot. Here's a look at how it all went down.

Photo by visuals / Unsplash

Why it matters

  • All told, about $7 million (and counting) went into ballot question campaigns, according to South Dakota Searchlight.
  • The biggest spenders were those supporting Amendment H – a measure that would've changed how the state conducts primary elections so all voters get the same ballot and the top two vote-getters advance. That measure was rejected by a wide margin Tuesday night.
  • The one exception to the "no" votes was Amendment F, which paves the way for the state to enact work requirements for certain folks receiving Medicaid benefits.

Here's a breakdown by measure

TL;DR

Super Simplified Stories

  • Turnout tops 60% (and counting). More than 60% of registered voters turned out for the 2024 election, with about 90% of ballots counted statewide as of 6:30 a.m. Wednesday.
  • Parade of Lights person. Downtown Sioux Falls, Inc. has named Stacy Newcomb as the grand marshal for the Parade of Lights this year. Newcomb has worked in historic preservation for more than 30 years, including helping preserve the State Theatre, ICON Event Hall, Parker's Bistro, Club David and her own home in the All Saints neighborhood.

EVENTS

Stuff to do: Nov. 6-12

  • See (quite a bit of) art. The Washington Pavilion is hosting a "Dear Diary" after hours show Thursday night, where you can enjoy nostalgic art and an ice cream bar. Snag your tickets here. Then on Friday, head over to the Ipso Gallery at Fresh Produce for an "Extra Special" collection. Details on that here. And, you can also catch "Giving Thanks," a show all about the power of gratitude at Serendipity Studio Gallery & Gifts.
  • Catch a show. Monstrous Little Theatre Company is putting on a production of "Lungs" Thursday through Saturday at Last Stop CD Shop. The show is a "witty drama that examines the evolution of a relationship." Snag tickets here.
  • Support SD Voices for Peace. The nonprofit's "Peace and Justice Fundraising Gala" will take place Saturday evening at Mosaic (formerly the Museum of Visual Materials). SD Voices for Peace provides free immigration legal services for children and survivors of crime. Get tickets here.
  • Support crafty folks. The Sioux Empire Arts & Craft Show is hosting a holiday market out at the fairgrounds on Friday and Saturday. Shop from makers from 18+ states. More details here.
  • Disco silently. Good NAtured is hosting a silent disco Saturday night. Everyone wears headphones, and the music is broadcast via radio transmitter rather than played loudly through speakers. Get an NA beverage, a pizza and dance the night away. Details here.

THIS AND THAT

What I'm falling for this week:

ICYMI

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