Happy Friday! Megan here.
First things first: This issue is brought to you by the Good Night Theatre Collective.
- The Good Night Theatre Collective will present its own take on fantastical, surrealist stage masterpiece, "Cats," on Oct. 22-24. Don't miss this Andrew Lloyd Webber classic. Get your tickets here.
Weather check: A warm and gorgeous weekend ahead
🎂 A fun thing: Today is my 34th birthday! And listen, I think every day is a good day to support local, independent news outlets, but today is extra good (for me, personally).
This week, we've got lots more election coverage for you, including a guide to ballot measures and the Minnehaha County races we're watching.
And now, news:
2026 SD ELECTION
Ballot measures, simplified
Simplified: Voters will weigh in on four ballot measures this November, and all four of them have the potential to change the state constitution. Here's a closer look at what's proposed, and what your vote would mean.
Why it matters
- Constitutional amendments are one form of direct democracy in the State of South Dakota. The constitution can only change via amendment, and these amendments must be approved by a majority of voters.
- Amendments make it onto the ballot by one of two ways. First, a majority vote in the legislature can put an amendment on the ballot. Second, voters can propose an amendment on the ballot if they get enough signatures (i.e. 10% of the total votes cast in the last gubernatorial election).
- In all cases on the Nov. 3 ballot, the amendments were brought by the South Dakota legislature. Overall, a "yes" vote will change the constitution and a "no" vote will leave it as it stands now. Here's a closer look at what that means.
What are the amendments?
2026 SD ELECTION
Meet the candidates for Minnehaha County Commission
By Michaela Ramm
Simplified: Five candidates are in the running to fill three open at-large seats on the Minnehaha County Commission, the board that oversees South Dakota’s most populated county. All five candidates sat down with Sioux Falls Simplified to discuss a wide range of topics, including AI data centers, property taxes, homelessness and more.
Why it matters
- Five candidates are in the race for Minnehaha County Commission, but only one candidate in the running, Jen Bleyenberg, is an incumbent. That means it’s a guarantee there will be at least two new faces on the board in the coming weeks.
- These are at-large seats, meaning no matter where you live in the county, these commissioners represent your interests. And they have the ability to make decisions that would make a big impact on residents.
- Minnehaha is South Dakota’s most populous county, and includes much of Sioux Falls. Policy decisions made by this county commission have a broad impact on many residents.
Let’s meet the candidates
2026 SD ELECTION
Meet the candidates for Minnehaha County Auditor
By Michaela Ramm
Simplified: Two candidates are facing off in the race for Minnehaha County Auditor. Both candidates spoke with Sioux Falls Simplified about their top issues, including election security.
Why it matters
- Incumbent Leah Anderson, a Republican, is running for another term as Minnehaha County Auditor. She is facing a challenge from Democrat Curt Deedrich.
- County auditors play a critical role in running local government. Their duties include managing taxpayer dollars in the county budget and overseeing the election process locally.
- Minnehaha County is the most populous South Dakota county, and includes most of Sioux Falls. That means decisions from local elected officials can have a broad impact on their constituents and beyond – in this case, especially when it comes to local elections.
Let’s meet the candidates
TL;DR
Super Simplified Stories
- Paint the plow event. There's no snow yet, but the city is readying the plows. More than 20 youth groups will have their painted plows on display during the City of Sioux Falls’ 17th annual Paint the Plow event from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday. Kids who attend can also enter for a chance to win a snow plow ride to school.
- How healthy are you? The city is teaming up with Sanford, Avera and the VA health system to conduct the Community Health Assessment. The assessment is done every three years to better understand the community's health and well-being, as well as to set priorities. You can participate by taking the survey here.
THIS AND THAT
What I'm falling for this week:
ICYMI
More Simplified Stories
Megan Raposa
Megan Raposa
Megan Raposa
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Thank you
Thank you to Sioux Falls Simplified sponsors, including SafeSplash Swim School, Wayne & Mary's Nutrition Center, Startup Sioux Falls, Encompass Mental Health, the Sioux Falls YMCA, EmBe, the Sioux Falls Development Foundation, Barre3 Sioux Falls, the Sioux Falls Zoo and Aquarium, the Washington Pavilion, The Premiere Playhouse, The Good Night Theatre Collective and the Sioux Metro Growth Alliance. When you support them, you're also supporting Sioux Falls Simplified.
Oh, by the way
Your feedback is extremely helpful – hit the reply button and send any news tips, typos, complaints, compliments or cups of coffee my way. ❤️
Special thanks to the Good Night Theatre Collective!
Calling all Jellicle Cats! Don't miss The Good Night Theatre Collective's rendition of this paw-sitively perfect musical set in the streets of London. The show runs Oct. 22-24, and you can snag tickets here.
