South Dakota Farmers Union members have begun a petition drive to place a measure on the 2016 November election ballot to change the redistricting process in South Dakota. President Doug Sombke says there’s a need for better representation for independent voters and a need to get rid of partisan politics that’s controlling the process of setting up the districts.

Sombke says they need to get their petition signatures turned into the Secretary of State’s office by November 9.

He says if the measure gets on the ballot and is approved by voters, the changes will take place immediately.

Sombke says there are many groups and individuals that support their effort to change the redistricting process.