Poll: Nearly half of South Dakotans disapprove of property tax plan

A recent poll sponsored by South Dakota News Watch and the Chiesman Center for Democracy at the University of South Dakota reveals a significant public sentiment regarding data centers. The survey, conducted by Mason-Dixon Polling and Strategy, found that 57% of registered voters in South Dakota approve of measures to limit and regulate the construction of data center facilities, while 20% disapprove and 23% remain undecided. This poll comes after a highly debated 2026 South Dakota legislative session concerning data center development. During this session, Senate Bill 135, titled the "Data Center Bill of Rights," was passed and subsequently signed into law by Governor Larry Rhoden. Championed by state House Speaker Jon Hansen and Senate President Pro Tempore Chris Karr, the legislation is designed to implement guardrails specifically addressing data center electricity and water usage. Brad Coker, founder of Mason-Dixon Polling and Strategy, commented on the consistent public aversion to data centers observed across the country. Julia Hellwege, director of the Chiesman Center, noted that the relatively high percentage of undecided respondents suggests that data centers are not yet a fully "crystallized issue area" for many South Dakotans, unlike other topics covered in the poll.