In some elections, the real work is done in the primary. By the time the general election rolls around, the results are seemingly inevitable and casting a vote is simply an act of allegiance to a party or candidate.

For thousands of South Dakotans who are not affiliated with either the Democratic or Republican party and instead choose to register as independents, that meant too often they would not have a voice in choosing the leadership of the state.

But that's all changing.

The Democratic State Central Committee has decided to allow independent voters to cast ballots in the Democratic primary in June 2010. It's a bold move and one that will serve South Dakotans well. Every voter should have a say in leadership; this is a step in that direction.

It's also a politically-motivated, smart move, for the minority party in South Dakota. Parties can make their own decisions about independent inclusion in primaries and there's a patchwork of different protocols in different states. In allowing the independent vote in the primary, however, the Democratic party is joining something of a national movement recognizing the power of the independent voter and the benefit of inclusion.

Northern State University political science professor Jon Schaff said the Democrats move helps create connections between independents and the Democratic party.

That's clear to us. What's also clear is that 82,438 registered independents will play a role in the political mechanizations of South Dakota where before they were denied the opportunity. The possibility also exists, of course, that the Republican party will open the same door to independents.

South Dakota is still a strong Republican state. Today, there are 235,206 Republicans, 198,775 Democrats and 82,438 independents in the state.

"Now the independents won't have to sit around on primary election day," said Democratic Party executive director Erin McCarrick McCarrick, after the announcement the independent voter would have a voice in the Democratic primary. "We've decided that they have a voice we want to listen to."

More than likely it's a voice the party has to listen to. And, for the 82,438 South Dakotans who are registered as independents, it's better late than never.