Voters approve state-funded political campaigns

South Dakota political candidates running in future elections will be able to tap public funds for their campaigns under a new law approved by voters.

Initiated Measure 22 passed Tuesday.

The wide-ranging proposal allows voters to assign two "democracy credits" worth $50 each to participating political candidates. It also tightens campaign finance and lobbying laws and creates an ethics commission.

Supporters billed it as an anti-corruption package. They say the overhaul is meant to improve transparency and help prevent corruption after recent government-related scandals.

But foes portrayed it as a waste of taxpayer dollars at the benefit of politicians. They argued that public financing will pull state resources from other priorities.

South Dakota joins the U.S. and at least 13 states with some form of public campaign financing