"Open Government" isn't a campaign slogan, or a tactic to further a political agenda. It's a concept, an ideal that our government should be as transparent as possible — from the local level all the way to the highest national level. Not because of a distrust, but because government should be held accountable by the people.

The men on Mt. Rushmore believed that the ideal of "open government" was one of the cornerstones of our Democracy. In South Dakota, it's viewed as an "option" that can be determined by a select few in power. Politicians ask for trust from those who elect them. In return, we need to be able to hold those we elect accountable. Click on SPEAK UP to find out how to contact your elected officials, and let them know you want to know.

Learn more about the issue of open government in South Dakota by following the links below (they will open in a new window).

South Dakota Attorney General's Office - Open Government section

ATTORNEY GENERAL’S REPORT: Status of Open Government in South Dakota

South Dakotans for Open Government (www.sdog.org)