Pierre, S.D. (October 3, 2022) – The South Dakota Freedom Caucus released the following statement:

Secretary of State Steve Barnett and several of South Dakota’s County Auditors have been actively suppressing the release of public information related to the public contracts and purchase agreements for South Dakota’s election software and equipment, while simultaneously publicly stating they are being open and transparent about the election process. Such statements are disingenuous and the efforts to suppress public information that South Dakota citizens have paid for is immoral and should stop immediately. 

The SD Freedom Caucus and grassroots activists from SD Canvassers exposed Secretary of State Steve Barnett for misleading those investigating the matter. In a letter dated earlier this year, Secretary Barnett stated “the Secretary of State’s office does not have any contracts with Elections Systems & Software (ES&S).” After the SD Freedom Caucus conducted further investigation, documents revealed that Barnett signed a purchase agreement with ES&S on October 10, 2019.

Additionally, the SD Freedom Caucus has faced numerous attempts to suppress their investigation into the matter, including threats of exorbitant fees, legally questionable fees, or intimidation on the part of State Attorneys.

Nowhere in our laws is intimidation, stonewalling or other unethical practices considered appropriate or condoned to be used on our citizens, or their Representatives, who are actively and honestly seeking information regarding the public expenditures for our election system. Such actions severely undermine the confidence and trustworthiness of our public officials. 

We as the South Dakota Freedom Caucus will not be threatened or intimidated nor will we stop our investigation on behalf of the citizens of South Dakota on our election systems and the right of the citizens to review such information.

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