Samantha Bradsky – October 10, 2024

The Life Defense Fund’s “No on G” campaign faces significant opposition to its visibility as reports of stolen and vandalized yard signs emerge throughout South Dakota.

The “No on G” campaign refers to Amendment G on the 2024 November ballot. If ratified, the initiative would add abortion rights to the South Dakota Constitution.

The Life Defense Fund’s campaign raises money and awareness for defending the unborn against the implication of an instated Amendment G. They label the initiative on their official website as the “Extreme Abortion Constitutional Amendment” because it would “legalize painful, late-term abortion, all the way to the point of birth.”

Incidents of theft and vandalism have been reported statewide, highlighting a trend of attempts to undermine fair campaign efforts regarding Amendment G. One such incident was captured on surveillance video by Rangel Construction in Rapid City and reported and documented by Mario Rangel, the president of Rangel Construction. The footage reveals someone stealing signs in broad daylight on the sidewalk of a heavily trafficked area.

Vandalism has also struck in Sioux Falls, where a “No on G” sign was recently defaced.

In another incident, the South Dakota Right to Life organization reported that its signs were stolen from the roadside of their office in Rapid City.

“The theft or destruction of any property, including ‘No on G’ signs, is not only unlawful but also deeply counterproductive to the values we hold dear,” stated Dale Bartscher, Executive Director of South Dakota Right to Life. “The freedom to express our values, such as the sanctity of human life, is a fundamental right. We call upon all South Dakota residents to remain respectful.”

South Dakota residents have similarly voiced their dismay. Ben Paulding recounted an incident where his son informed him a car had purposefully crashed into their yard, crushing the “No on G” sign. “I couldn’t believe it! I’m replacing the one sign with three signs now,” he said.

Marilyn Mendenhall, a resident of a Rapid City suburb, shared her own frustration, noting that numerous “No on G” signs had been stolen in her neighborhood, including her own. “I was so saddened to see that someone stole my ‘No on G’ sign from my yard while leaving the metal sign holder,” she said. “The internet says that agricultural production, manufacturing, and tourism are South Dakota’s greatest contributors to South Dakota’s wealth. I disagree. I think our children, both born and pre-born are. Let’s not destroy our wealth.

The campaign has been marred by controversy beyond acts of theft and vandalism. Reports have surfaced regarding illegal behavior in 2023 during the signature-gathering process for Amendment G. The organization behind the amendment, Dakotans for Health (D4H), faced allegations that they violated South Dakota petition laws.

South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley previously issued a warning to D4H regarding serious complaints, including volunteers leaving petitions unattended, encouraging multiple signatures from the same individuals, and providing misleading information without the required circulator handout.

For updates on the campaign and to learn more about the “No on G” initiative, individuals can visit the Life Defense Fund’s official website.