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Smoking Ban May Impact Voter Turnout 

South Dakota's voter turnout for next November's election could be a lot different than past years.

A local political science professor says a smoking ban on that ballot would likely lure more people to the polls. He says that could have an impact on other initiatives and political races.

Both supporters and people against a statewide smoking ban have worked hard to let their opinions be heard. And many of the arguments boil down to an issue of public health versus personal rights. Political science professor Jay Newberger says strong beliefs on both sides could spark a surge of voters who might not otherwise make it to the polls.

"I think it's gonna bring out a whole lot of voters, people I think generally in South Dakota, all the polls indicated South Dakotans very much, accept the smoking ban," Newberger said.

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