The group is inviting the public to trainings in Aberdeen, Rapid City and Sioux Falls and online, to prepare for the Nov. 3 election.

Voting is a fundamental right of our democracy. The decisions made in city halls, state legislatures, the United States Congress and every other level of government affect the lives of all South Dakot...

The League of Women Voters of South Dakota and an individual plaintiff, represented by Campaign Legal Center, the ACLU Voting Rights Project, the ACLU of South Dakota and Heidepriem Purtell Siegel Hin...

The League of Women Voters of South Dakota and an individual plaintiff, represented by Campaign Legal Center, the ACLU Voting Rights Project, the ACLU of South Dakota and Heidepriem Purtell Siegel Hin...

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — Today, the League of Women Voters of South Dakota (LWVSD) and an individual plaintiff, represented by Campaign Legal Center (CLC), the American Civil Liberties Union Voting Rights ...

The estimate from Jules Hurst III, President Donald Trump’s nominee to be the Pentagon’s comptroller, came in response to a series of questions from Sen. Elizabeth Warren.

Sioux Falls Police Chief Jon Thum said the technology is vital for finding stolen vehicles, but civil liberties advocates warn of mass government surveillance.

The ACLU is seeking an Undergraduate Intern in the Advocacy – South Dakota Chapter of the ACLU’s National office.

We the People is a blog series that features the stories of members, supporters, volunteers, and allies of the American Civil Liberties Union of South Dakota. Together we are accomplishing critical wo...

It’s more important than ever that LGBTQ+ communities and allies stand up in solidarity against hate. Let’s celebrate joy, identity and unity this summer! Here at the ACLU of South Dakota, we’re celeb...

A recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling that gutted a key provision of a voting rights law won't affect South Dakota’s legislative districts until 2031 — but Native American voting rights advocates aren't ...

A couple who spend winters in Arizona and the rest of the year in South Dakota said they were given a federal-only ballot and denied a state-local ballot.

There are various state and federal laws that protect public school students’ rights to wear tribal regalia during commencement. Graduation from high school is a pivotal, once-in-a-lifetime achievemen...

Poll watching can offer a chance for citizens to be directly involved in ensuring the security of elections. As this continues to be a hot-button issue in Pierre, the state chapter of the ACLU is hopi...

For years, the ACLU has been engaged in election protection efforts, working to ensure easy, fair, and safe access to the ballot box. This year, that work will be more important than ever – and we nee...

Officers who shoot when threatened can shield their names from public view under the victims’ rights clause of the South Dakota Constitution.

For years, the ACLU has been engaged in election protection efforts, working to ensure easy, fair, and safe access to the ballot box. This year, that work will be more important than ever – and we nee...

Civil-rights groups are suing to prevent the Justice Department from collecting and reviewing state registration lists to weed out ineligible voters.

We the People is a blog series that features the stories of members, supporters, volunteers, and allies of the American Civil Liberties Union of South Dakota. Together we are accomplishing critical wo...

Read the ACLU of South Dakota's 2026 Legislative Report. Click below to learn more about our priority bills and learn how our collective action protected your rights and those you care about.

The ACLU is seeking an Undergraduate Intern in the Advocacy – South Dakota Chapter of the ACLU’s National office.

“This is not neutral education; it’s propaganda.”

It's sometimes hard to believe your voice matters when it feels like the whole world is shouting – especially when it comes to politics. But here's the truth: Our elected officials need to hear more t...

It's sometimes hard to believe your voice matters when it feels like the whole world is shouting – especially when it comes to politics. But here's the truth: Our elected officials need to hear more...

One year ago, President Donald Trump was sworn in for a second term. His administration has created chaos, trampled on our rights, and harmed so many of us. But the ACLU has been fighting back — and winning. Now, we're telling the story of the first year of our fight against the Trump administration’s second term, our lessons learned, and our path forward. We were prepared for this fight from day one. Before President Trump was elected, we examined his campaign promises — including those outlined in Project 2025 — and outlined a plan for how we would fight to protect the rights and liberties of all people. We spent months plotting out our litigation and advocacy strategy across the country, building a plan to ensure that cities and states would be a Firewall for Freedom — a shield defending against a federal government attacking civil rights and civil liberties. Within hours of President Trump's inauguration, it was clear that he and his administration would, once again, test the Constitution and the willingness of our nation’s institutions and people to defend it. But we were ready. The ACLU mobilized our lawyers, advocates, organizers, storytellers, and supporters to delay unconstitutional policies before they took effect, dilute their reach when full blockage wasn’t immediately possible, and defeat them through courts, public pressure, and sustained organizing. In 2025, we took over 230 legal actions against the Trump administration, with remarkable success: 64% of our lawsuits have delayed, diluted, or defeated the Trump administration’s agenda. But despite everything we’ve accomplished so far, we cannot underestimate the continued speed and ferocity of this assault on civil rights and civil liberties or the impact it will continue to have on us all. And as we enter 2026, the stakes feel as high as ever. That’s why the ACLU is releasing a report about the first year of the Trump administration, highlighting key lessons learned and laying out our roadmap for the years to come. You can download the full report here: Defeat, Delay, Dilute: ACLU Versus President Trump What the ACLU does over the next three years and how well we do it will play a role in shaping the course of American history. Because democracy doesn’t defend itself – people do. And together, we will keep showing up.

All eyes and ears are on Pierre as the 2026 South Dakota Legislative Session begins.

Democracy hinges on robust public debate and civic participation, especially when civil rights and civil liberties are on the line. Join me for citizen lobbying training with the ACLU of South Dakota!

Like his predecessor, South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden used bad data to justify his opposition to telemedicine abortions, experts say.

It’s been a long time since we’ve talked about the Grand Gateway Hotel. On December 15th, this particular legal battle...

As an abortion-rights advocate campaign begins at South Dakota gas stations, state officials plan to investigate.

Democracy hinges on robust public debate and civic participation, especially when civil rights and civil liberties are on the line. Join me for citizen lobbying training with the ACLU of South Dakota!

Sioux Falls city councilors and the mayor have said their hands are tied when it comes to interfering with the governor’s orders when it comes to Operation Prairie Thunder. The city lacks the legal au...

In a letter, Rep. Jon Hansen said the South Dakota Department of Corrections is hiding its transgender policy from the public. To the ACLU, the timing of the letter is no mistake.

SPEARFISH — On Oct. 9, an amendment to Spearfish’s ordinance on assemblies, parades, and processions is expected to go into effect, carving out new exceptions for protests and gatherings that

Lawmakers expressed doubts the governor would change any minds with his pledge to create a task force after his prison plan passes next week.

The Dakota Scout identifies erroneous crime stats used to tout governor's public safety campaign