Members of the Yankton Sioux Tribe testified against a bill they said would scuttle their voting rights lawsuit against Charles Mix County.

The American Civil Liberties Union filed the suit in January, saying the county created districts that prevent tribal members from electing a candidate of their choosing. The county's Indian population is about 30 percent but they are divided into separate districts.

HB1265 would allow the county to redraw the district in hopes of ending the case and avoiding a ruling that the system violates Indian voting rights. The State Affairs Committee passed the bill after tribal members objected.

Get the Story:
Redistricting bill endorsed to help settle lawsuit (AP 3/1)

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