Illustrates the need for new leadership with a fresh set of eyes on election procedures and safeguards

Candidate for Secretary of State, Senator Jason Gant of Sioux Falls, watched with concern, the recent election developments in Minnehaha County. Most notably, the unfortunate set of circumstances that unfolded in the District 14 State House Primary. As has been reported by numerous media outlets, over one hundred (100) ballots were mistakenly neglected by election workers and were not counted due to being misplaced.

“I believe this extremely unfortunate development illustrates the need for new leadership with a fresh set of eyes on election procedures and safeguards in South Dakota. In the fiscal year 2010 we as a State should be able to use technology and proper safeguards to ensure that South Dakotans have their votes counted,” stated Senator Gant.

The University of South Dakota graduate and Geddes native continued, “Those of us close to election procedures saw something like this coming. As a matter of fact, situations like this were the catalyst for my introduction of Senate Bill 101 during the 2010 legislative session. Not only will that bill save counties, school districts, and the state money, but it will also provide another level of protection.”

Senator Gant has served the last six years in the South Dakota Senate. During that time Senator Gant has been a leader on issues like government transparency and election reform. In 2007, Senator Gant was awarded the South Dakota Newspaper Association Eagle Award for promoting transparent government and this year Senator Gant drafted and was the prime sponsor on legislation meant to bring South Dakota election law in line with the United States Supreme Court precedent.

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