We recently had the pleasure of meeting Vince Vidal, a Democratic candidate running for South Dakota State House District 33. He’s a passionate candidate who is eager to represent South Dakotan’s true values. He graciously filled out our candidate questionnaire and we’d like to invite you to learn more about Vince and his plans to serve his district.
1. What is your opinion on the overturn of Roe v. Wade?
“I am completely against the recent, politically motivated overturning of Roe v. Wade. It has
been law for 50 years and needed to stay that way. Women should have control over their
own reproductive healthcare decisions.”
2. What will you do to ensure that all people maintain access to critical healthcare despite growing conservative attacks on birth control, abortion, and other services?
“I will vote for — and encourage others to vote for — Medicaid Expansion on November 8 (Amendment D), which will make health care more accessible to all people of South Dakota. I will support bills within the legislature that keep healthcare decisions between the individual and their doctor, and oppose any further legislation aimed at further restricting reproductive rights.”
3. What will you do to make sure people who can get pregnant get the healthcare they need in South Dakota without fear of persecution?
“I will vote for, draft, and co-sponsor legislation aimed at restoring reproductive healthcare rights in South Dakota, and oppose legislation that punishes people for traveling out of state to get an abortion or receive abortion medication in the mail.”
4. In 2006 and 2010 the people voted to keep access to abortion safe and legal for all who need it in South Dakota, yet the people in Pierre have continued to restrict access leading to a trigger law banning abortions after the reversal of Roe v. Wade. What is your plan to honor the voters and return access to safe and legal abortion to all that need them?“
Our current legislature is made up of 94 Republicans and 11 Democrats – even though that extremely lopsided representation does NOT reflect the actual beliefs of South Dakotans. Even though the people voted to keep abortion safe and legal, legislators did not listen to the people. In a recent poll an overwhelming majority of South Dakotas disagreed with our current restrictive abortion law. I will listen to the people and support legislation that the majority is asking for – the right to a safe and legal abortion.”
5. What do you plan to do to fight for equality for LGBTQ+, Women /Reproductive, Racial injustice, veterans, people with disabilities?
“I am a 20-year U.S. Navy veteran and will make sure those who fought for their country are respected and given the health care and assistance programs that they need. Our current legislators in Pierre spend way too much time drafting hateful legislation aimed at punishing or ostracizing vulnerable minorities, or creating a problem where there isn’t one. (See the transgender bathroom bans that pop up year after year.) I will oppose any hateful or narrow-minded legislation targeting or mistreating the LGBTQ+ community, veterans and people with disabilities.”
6. Two years ago, the people of South Dakota voted to legalize both medicinal and recreational marijuana. What will you do to honor the voters wishes to decriminalize marijuana?
“Listen to the voters and push through the legislation that they want and decisively voted for. Being in the legislature should be all about putting people first and serving our constituents – which means following the direct will of the voters, instead of trying to impose our own.”
7. What do you think should happen to individuals who are currently incarcerated or on probation for marijuana related offenses after it is legalized?
“I would like to get advice from trusted legal experts on how to change the laws regarding those
incarcerated for marijuana offenses and learn more about how they can successfully be released for drug offenses.”
8. What will you do to stop the violence against Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls?
“Last year, the South Dakota legislature passed a bill to establish the Office of Liaison for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP.) A long-overdue gesture, to be sure, but a welcome one. Then, the legislature failed to provide the program with funding – leaving it to languish in obscurity. Thankfully, the non-profit Native Hope generously stepped up to fill the funding gap left by our legislature…but only for the next three years. So what happens then? We have the money. Our state puts away a sizable surplus year after year. It is inexcusable that we would have to rely on luck and the kindness of private groups to take care of our oft neglected Native communities. Our indigenous women deserve better.”
9. What will you do to combat the long history of racism, oppression and social injustice against the indigenous people of South Dakota?
“I think we need to start with compassion and become better listeners to our indigenous neighbors. Instead of acting as if I know what’s best for indigenous communities – like some of our lawmakers repeatedly do – I will ask trusted leaders and elders within those communities what they would like to see done to resolve the immediate problems that affect their people, as well as address the hundreds of years of systemic oppression and generational trauma that impact Native Americans in our poorest communities to this day.”
10. What would your administration do to make sure young LGBTQ+ and BIPoC youth feel safe in South Dakota?
“First and foremost: Stop the hateful legislation targeting those vulnerable communities. Talk to other leaders in Pierre, and get them to sit down with LGBTQ+, black and indigenous youth and actually listen to their stories. Get them to understand that their laws targeting already at-risk youth are only going to make things more difficult for the children that they are claiming to protect. These are real children who deserve dignity and respect. I will fight for their rights and equal treatment.”
11. Currently, access to exploratory drilling has been granted to mining groups above Pactola Reservoir. What is your plan to protect our natural resources in South Dakota, such as fresh water, clean air, and the environment?
“I will support legislation aimed at protecting our environment, wildlife, and water sources. For too long, some lawmakers in Pierre have put business interests and the profits of mining and logging companies ahead of the air that we breath and the water that we drink. We must find a beneficial balance between the viability of those industries and the health of our people and our planet – and that can’t be done if our lawmakers are constantly putting the profit of a rare few above all other considerations.”
12. Our generation has lost far too many of our peers tragically to drugs, suicide or violence. What Is your plan to make young South Dakotans feel safe, or like we have a future without drugs, trauma and violence?
“Poverty is one of the leading indicators for drug abuse, violence, or mental illness. There are many in Pierre who believe that punishment after the fact is the best way to address these problems – throwing wayward young people into the revolving door of the justice system. I disagree. The best way to tackle these problems is to address the root causes: Poverty, isolation, systemic inequality, and disenfranchised communities, etc. It’s time to lift up young people who have been failed by the system, rather than simply lock them up and hope the problem goes away.”
13. How can the voices of our generation and the voices be heard in a state as red as South Dakota?
“VOTE!!! And tell all your friends to get out and vote. For too long, the Republican party has held
disproportionate control over our state legislature: Although they hold 94 of the seats in Pierre, a survey from 2021 indicates that only 46% of South Dakotans identify as either “extremely-to-moderately conservative,” while 42% fall under “extremely-to-moderately liberal.” So clearly, despite whatever hurdles the Republicans in Pierre throw our way, we have the numbers to make a serious change, and end the extreme one-party rule that has plagued our state for two-long. YOU will make a difference. The rules and laws that are decided today affect your generation more than mine. So you have to be involved. March, volunteer and let your voices be heard!”
14. How can the citizens of South Dakota help you to achieve these goals?
“Vote for me, volunteer, put a sign in your yard, and contribute financially if you can. Encourage your group and friends to go to my website – votevincevidal.com. At the bottom there is a volunteer button to sign up. Also like and share my FB page – Vince Vidal for State House. Thank you for asking me to complete this survey. It is so encouraging to see young people get involved and try to make a positive change in South Dakota.”