STURGIS, S.D. – A special election is being held in the city of Sturgis tomorrow to decide the fate of the annexation of the Jackpine Gypsies grounds just off I-90 near Exit 30.
The Sturgis City Council approved the annexation of the grounds earlier this summer and the Jackpine Gypsies gathered enough signatures to send the matter to a public vote.
All Sturgis residents are eligible to vote.
According to state statute, the council had to choose between the Tuesday right before, during, or immediately after the 80th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally — ultimately setting the date for the public vote on August 4th.
A simple majority of votes for or against will determine the outcome.
The Jackpine Gypsies have stated their concerns about the city’s annexation of its grounds. They worry the city could impose limits on the events that are held there – leading to the eventual downfall of the grounds where the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally began.
The city has said it has no intentions of ending what the club has historically provided on the property.
The club hosts around a dozen events during the annual Motorcycle Rally, including short track racing, flat track racing, motocross racing and hill climbs.
They are one of the oldest A.M.A.-chartered clubs in the country.
Absentee voting has been provided leading up to tomorrow’s election. If you are voting in-person, the polls will be at the Sturgis Community Center and open at 7:00 a.m. Tuesday morning. Polls will remain open until 7:00 p.m. Voters are encouraged to bring their I.D.
