Thank You – A Letter from YDSD President Addison Miller

November 8, 2022

Dear members of the Young Democrats of South Dakota, ​ I want to thank you for all of the work you’ve done this election cycle. It’s been a tough one — but there’s nobody else I could imagine working through it alongside. As we head into the final hours of the 2022 election cycle, I find myself thinking back about all of the things we’ve accomplished thus far — both nationally, and in South Dakota. ​ Organizers sometimes joke about the relentless, undying (and sometimes irrational) hope that rural Democrats have in each election. ​ When the odds are stacked against us, we keep on fighting. We do so regardless of whether or not we feel we have a chance at victory. We do so as Democrats living in a state where the playing field — even just looking at the voter registration rolls — isn’t always an easy one. ​ Sometimes this can feel debilitating and exhausting. I know I find myself feeling that way sometimes. But through it all, we kept up the good work — you and every Young Democrat in South Dakota included. ​ The Young Democrats of South Dakota launched in its modern form in August of 2020, which wasn’t necessarily the best time for community organizing, given that we were (and still are) in the midst of a pandemic. This election cycle was YDSD’s first time operating in a “normal” election environment, with in-person canvassing, events, and more. We’ve seen success we never imagined two years ago, and I can’t express just how proud I am of the work we’ve done. Of the work you’ve done. ​ In the last two years, we’ve done a lot. We’ve held several events with local leaders, like Taneeza Islam with the Augustana University College Democrats during her run for Sioux Falls mayor. We’ve hosted community-building events, like October’s Young Democrats candidate happy hour at the Hello Hi in Sioux Falls. We’ve endorsed a slate of candidates — which, by the way, has more actual Young Democrats running than ever before! Additionally, just yesterday we started a series on Twitter Spaces called Moving South Dakota Forward, where we spoke with Jamie Smith about the final stretch as we move into election day. ​ None of this would have been possible without you, and I’m so absolutely grateful. So once again: thank you. ​ Let’s finish this cycle off strong. If you haven’t already voted, vote. If you have already voted, make sure your friends and family do. These races are winnable thanks to the work of countless Young Democrats like you. Now let’s win them, and Move South Dakota Forward. Together. ​ With hope and sincerity, ​ Addison Miller Young Democrats of South Dakota President