Here you will find important updates in the world of instant runoff voting and events to attend that help spread the word of IRV/RCV in SC.

A Special Election, Part 2

Tomorrow early voting starts for the Special Primary Election to replace Lindsey Graham on the November ballot. Early voting is open Wednesday August 5th to Friday August 7th with polls open from 8:30am-5pm. If you either did not vote in the June primaries or if you voted in the Republican primary, you can vote in this election. You can find your closest early voting center here. You can also vote on election day. Polling locations may be different than your usual one. Check your polling location here.

9 candidates are currently on the ballot. 12 filed and one was disqualified because he does not live in the state, one of the constitutional requirements to be a Senator. The other two were disqualified because of a rule passed by the Republican party shortly after the June Primary. All people on the Republican ballot need to have voted in at least 2 of the last 3  Republican primaries. One of the disqualified candidates has filed suit to regain ballot access. That decision has not yet been made.

This is important to note because it is part of a larger strategy from the South Carolina GOP to exert more control of their voters and candidates. This follows the push for closed primaries and party registration that the SCGOP is pursuing. At Better Ballot SC we want voters to have the power. 

If you are able, please cast your vote. Exercise your constitutional power to choose a candidate of your choice.

Social Media!

Do you follow us on your favorite platform? Please do! And remember to like, comment, and share. Facebook, Instagram, X, Threads, Blue Sky, TikTok, and YouTube.

Ever wanted to develop RCV memes? We'd love you ideas! Send 'em our way! Let's get creative! This easy to use form has everything you need.

Great events to get plugged in!

Statewide Strategy Call: August 25, 6:30pm. Our monthly meetings are the 4th Tuesday of the month! Join us to recap the month and discuss the future, locally. Join us in Columbia, Charleston, or virtually. Everyone will meet on the call and have a quick recap of what the state of the movement in South Carolina is and then open up the floor.

Pack the Park. Join BBSC for Fireflies Baseball: Aug 25, 7:05pm. Pack the Park for Nonprofits is a philanthropic initiative hosted by the Columbia Fireflies at Segra Park with the help of Together SC and Central Carolina Community Foundation, offering a unique fundraising opportunity for nonprofits. $5 from every ticket will benefit Better Ballot SC, but you can also hang out with us if you'd like! We'll be in section 112 starting in row D. We'll also attend the above statewide meeting virtually for half an hour. Register if you intend to come.

Intro to IRV/RCV: August 19, 7pm (held monthly on the 3rd Tuesday). Whether you're new to the instant runoff voting movement or you've been around since the beginning, join us to pick up new knowledge. Plus, you can learn the basics of outreach including best practices for the elevator pitch, social media interactions, and letter to the editors.

Letter to the Editor Training: every 4th Tuesday of the month, 8pm. Join other IRV enthusiasts in crafting letters for your local newsletters. Best practices and strategies will be discussed. All questions answered. By dedicating focused time to writing LTEs on a regular basis, you can help boost the IRV signal in your community and across the country.

IRV Pitch Training: every 2nd Thursday of the month, 8pm. Learn how to pitch Instant Runoff Voting when canvassing on the street or at an event from a Rank the Vote National Organizer! We'll talk about best practices, and have opportunities for you to practice in a friendly environment. All questions welcome.

(https://protectdemocracy.org/work/when-maps-dont-determine-electoral-outcomes)

Plus: Watch: 3 Cities Put Ranked Choice Voting on the November Ballot: FairVote via Instagram

Reform runoff system: Post and Courier

Analyzing Washington, DC's Primary Results: Most Voters Ranked 2+ Candidates, and What RCV Tell Us About the Electorate: FairVote

Honolulu Will Vote on Ranked Choice Voting in November: FairVote

Longmont, CO will vote on Ranked Choice Voting in November: FairVote

New Mexico Democrats to pick lieutenant governor nominee using ranked choice voting: Albuquerque Journal (Check out who won: KRWG)

D.C.'s move to ranked choice voting complicates two council races. Could lawmakers change how the city votes? WAMU

Can this man save democrats? Politico

UGA historian says proportional representation could reshape redistricting, Black political influence in Georgia: CBS News

Group urges Congress to adopt proportional representation to end redistricting battles: PBS

DNC could ban ranked choice voting in 2028 - even where voters made it law: Independent Voter News (Ready to fight the ban? Sign the letters)

Municipal Option Bill

The Legislative Session is essentially over (except for the budget). This bill is expected to be reintroduced next session. It would give municipalities more choice and more voice in their elections.

We are looking for:

Cosponsors

We are actively looking for cosponsors for this municipal option bill. The best way to do this is to sit down with legislatures and have a conversation with them about the benefits of IRV. We know that talking to our legislators can be intimidating. If you would like to meet with your elected officials or have any questions, please contact us at [email protected]. We can provide support and guidance.

Municipal Resolutions

Municipalities are directly impacted by our bill, which would give towns and cities the option of using instant runoff voting. We want to show the legislature that this is something that they want. Municipalities can do this by passing resolutions in support of IRV. To learn how, please fill out this interest form.

Speaking Opportunities

When people hear about instant runoff voting, they like it. If you are a part of a group that hosts speakers, please consider a Better Ballot SC speaker. We'd love to spread the word among your network.

Are you looking for a flyer to hang up at your local community board? Or maybe something to handout to people? Check out our Printables!

We have an easy way to get involved! Sign our petition! Show your support of instant runoff voting by signing and sharing. Remember to share it to your social media!

If you like what you've read here and would like us to continue our efforts, please donate. We're building momentum here in South Carolina. Help us continue to educate our fellow South Carolinians. Consider making a monthly contribution. It helps us to better strategize our long term goals.

Thank you for reading,

Nicole Sanchez,

Executive Director, Better Ballot SC

Here you will find important updates in the world of instant runoff voting and events to attend that help spread the word of IRV/RCV in SC.

A Special Election

As I'm sure many of you have heard, Senator Lindsey Graham passed away. People will be debating and discussing his life and legacy for years to come. But today we'll be discussing the electoral consequences.

First, Governor McMaster appointed Graham's sister, Darline Graham Nordone, to fill the seat for the rest of his term, which ends in January. Sen. Lindsey Graham was on the ballot this November, so there will be a special election to replace him. The winner will then compete against challengers from the Democratic, Libertarian, and Constitution parties.

Filing starts today at noon and goes until Tuesday July 28 at noon. The primary will be held on August 11 with a possible (probably with how many people have thrown their names into the ring already) runoff on August 25. If you either did not vote in the June primaries or if you voted in the Republican primary, you can vote in this election.

That means we're going to expect voters to come out to five elections this year. Five! Primary, primary runoff, special election, special election runoff, and the general. That doesn't even take into the consideration the additional election (and possible runoff) that will have to take place if one of our sitting representatives wins the senate general election! It's going to cost our state millions of dollars to administer these elections.

We'd love to save the time and money of the traditional runoffs and use instant runoff voting in these situations. Since you rank your candidates, we already know how you would vote in a traditional runoff. Saves time, saves money, saves voter apathy, and it finds the candidate that most voters support. Our overseas voters already vote this way. Let's expand it so everyone in South Carolina has that opportunity.

If you'd like to support our efforts to expand instant runoff/ranked choice voting, please sign up to volunteer or donate today.

Social Media!

Do you follow us on your favorite platform? Please do! And remember to like, comment, and share. Facebook, Instagram, X, Threads, Blue Sky, TikTok, and YouTube.

Ever wanted to develop RCV memes? We'd love you ideas! Send 'em our way! Let's get creative! This easy to use form has everything you need.

Great events to get plugged in!

Statewide Strategy Call: July 28, 6:30pm. Our monthly meetings are the 4th Tuesday of the month! Join us to recap the month and discuss the future, locally. Join us in Columbia, Charleston, or virtually. Everyone will meet on the call and have a quick recap of what the state of the movement in South Carolina is and then open up the floor.

Pack the Park. Join BBSC for Fireflies Baseball: Aug 25, 7:05pm. Pack the Park for Nonprofits is a philanthropic initiative hosted by the Columbia Fireflies at Segra Park with the help of Together SC and Central Carolina Community Foundation, offering a unique fundraising opportunity for nonprofits. $5 from every ticket will benefit Better Ballot SC, but you can also hang out with us if you'd like! We'll be in section 112 starting in row D. 

Intro to IRV/RCV: August 19, 7pm (held monthly on the 3rd Tuesday). Whether you're new to the instant runoff voting movement or you've been around since the beginning, join us to pick up new knowledge. Plus, you can learn the basics of outreach including best practices for the elevator pitch, social media interactions, and letter to the editors.

Letter to the Editor Training: every 4th Tuesday of the month, 8pm. Join other IRV enthusiasts in crafting letters for your local newsletters. Best practices and strategies will be discussed. All questions answered. By dedicating focused time to writing LTEs on a regular basis, you can help boost the IRV signal in your community and across the country.

IRV Pitch Training: every 2nd Thursday of the month, 8pm. Learn how to pitch Instant Runoff Voting when canvassing on the street or at an event from a Rank the Vote National Organizer! We'll talk about best practices, and have opportunities for you to practice in a friendly environment. All questions welcome.

Executive Director

Exciting news! Better Ballot SC has hired it's first employee! You've known me as the President of Better Ballot SC for five years now, but today I write to you as the new part-time Executive Director.

I am honored to have this role and to be able to continue to serve you. I'm excited for the investment in this movement and how far we'll be able to go under our new structure. We'll be hiring some regional organizers soon, so be on the look out for that as well.

If you'd like to help us keep this momentum going, please donate today. Every dollar helps secure the stability and longevity of the organization so that we can improve the way that South Carolinians vote. We're here to fix the system and we're thrilled you're along for the ride.

(https://fairvote.org/report/neighborhood-representation-with-prcv)

Danielle Allen's "Radical Duke" Reveals an Unsung Catalyst of History: Harvard Kennedy School

Petition Drive to Let Independents Vote Delivers 45,000 Signatures to NYC Clerk: Independent Voter News

How pollsters are changing their approach in Maine: The Maine Monitor

Municipal Option Bill

The Legislative Session is essentially over (except for the budget). This bill is expected to be reintroduced next session. It would give municipalities more choice and more voice in their elections.

We are looking for:

Cosponsors

We are actively looking for cosponsors for this municipal option bill. The best way to do this is to sit down with legislatures and have a conversation with them about the benefits of IRV. We know that talking to our legislators can be intimidating. If you would like to meet with your elected officials or have any questions, please contact us at [email protected]. We can provide support and guidance.

Municipal Resolutions

Municipalities are directly impacted by our bill, which would give towns and cities the option of using instant runoff voting. We want to show the legislature that this is something that they want. Municipalities can do this by passing resolutions in support of IRV. To learn how, please fill out this interest form.

Speaking Opportunities

When people hear about instant runoff voting, they like it. If you are a part of a group that hosts speakers, please consider a Better Ballot SC speaker. We'd love to spread the word among your network.

Are you looking for a flyer to hang up at your local community board? Or maybe something to handout to people? Check out our Printables!

We have an easy way to get involved! Sign our petition! Show your support of instant runoff voting by signing and sharing. Remember to share it to your social media!

If you like what you've read here and would like us to continue our efforts, please donate. We're building momentum here in South Carolina. Help us continue to educate our fellow South Carolinians. Consider making a monthly contribution. It helps us to better strategize our long term goals.

Thank you for reading,

Nicole Sanchez,

Executive Director, Better Ballot SC

Here you will find important updates in the world of instant runoff voting and events to attend that help spread the word of IRV/RCV in SC.

Runoff Results!

The partisan runoffs are over for this cycle. All the political parties have their nominees for the general election. But how many people participated and ultimately chose those contenders?

We had record turnout for the primary, 25% of registered voters. That may not seem like a lot (and it's not), but it's much better than the 14% from 2024 and the 17% from 2022 (the last time our constitutional officers were on the ballot). This was likely due to the response to the attempted redistricting. So, without the fear of redistricting, how many people returned for the runoff? 11% of registered voters. The number is influenced by a lot of things, such as Democrats not having a statewide runoff and Republicans having several. Let's take a deeper look at 2 races in particular: Republican governor and Democratic congressional district 2.

Republican Governor:  Primary Turnout: 472,956, Runoff Turnout: 318,796. 67% of voters came back out. That's pretty good where the average drop is 50%, but I would argue that this traditional runoff system was still a waste of tax payer money. Using instant runoff/ranked choice voting would not have changed the outcome. Voters could easily see the difference between these top two contenders - and they could see it for months. Alan Wilson's strategy was to take advantage of his natural congeniality. He was asking voters to be their second choice since at least March (clip from SC Lede podcast). On the other side of the coin, Pamela Evette was on the offensive for months. One prominent example was an AI generated video that falsely accused Wilson of backing Nikki Haley instead of Donald Trump. These are not isolated examples. Because of these actions by the candidates, we feel strongly that using IRV/RCV would have led to the same result - but without the cost or drop in turnout associated with the traditional runoff.

Democratic Congressional District 2: Primary Turnout: 58,649, Runoff Turnout: 5,705. Only 10% of voters returned to the polls in this contest. Yes, it was the only race on the ballot. Yes, redistricting had failed so that was no longer a motivation, but that is shockingly low. Instant runoff/ranked choice voting would have captured those voters on their first time to the polls. More people would have participated in the final result and we would have saved money.

These races and many more like them show us why we need to upgrade the way that we vote. To continue our mission to expand instant runoff (aka ranked choice voting) in South Carolina, please donate today. Your donations help us continue our mission and improve the stability and longevity of the organization.

Social Media!

Do you follow us on your favorite platform? Please do! And remember to like, comment, and share. Facebook, Instagram, X, Threads, Blue Sky, TikTok, and YouTube.

Ever wanted to develop RCV memes? We'd love you ideas! Send 'em our way! Let's get creative! This easy to use form has everything you need.

Great events to get plugged in!

Intro to IRV/RCV: July 15, 7pm (held monthly on the 3rd Tuesday). Whether you're new to the instant runoff voting movement or you've been around since the beginning, join us to pick up new knowledge. Plus, you can learn the basics of outreach including best practices for the elevator pitch, social media interactions, and letter to the editors.

BBSC Board Meeting: July 10, 4:30pm. This meeting is open to the public. If you would like to speak during the meeting, please reach out to Nicole.

Statewide Strategy Call: July 28, 6:30pm. Our monthly meetings are the 4th Tuesday of the month! Join us to recap the month and discuss the future, locally. Join us in Columbia, Charleston, or virtually. Everyone will meet on the call and have a quick recap of what the state of the movement in South Carolina is and then open up the floor.

Letter to the Editor Training: every 4th Tuesday of the month, 8pm. Join other IRV enthusiasts in crafting letters for your local newsletters. Best practices and strategies will be discussed. All questions answered. By dedicating focused time to writing LTEs on a regular basis, you can help boost the IRV signal in your community and across the country.

IRV Pitch Training: Thursdays at 8pm. Learn how to pitch Instant Runoff Voting when canvassing on the street or at an event from a Rank the Vote National Organizer! We'll talk about best practices, and have opportunities for you to practice in a friendly environment. All questions welcome.

(https://thehill.com/opinion/campaign/5926647-proportional-representation-democracy/)

Plus: How to Win the New War for Black Voting Rights: The Nation

A judge just ordered Huntington Beach to give voters more choice: Independent Voter News

Maine used RCV in their partisan primary to pick the candidates for the general election. Check out FairVote's analysis and watch a panel from the Maine Monitor for their take aways.

DC used RCV for the first time in their primaries! Watch DC voters talk about their experiences, check out the preliminary results, and exit polling.

Challenges in rural election administration 'exacerbated' in runoff elections: The Daily Yonder

Don't scrap top-two. Fix its strategic voting problem: Independent Voter News

Municipal Option Bill

The Legislative Session is essentially over (except for the budget). This bill is expected to be reintroduced next session. It would give municipalities more choice and more voice in their elections.

We are looking for:

Cosponsors

We are actively looking for cosponsors for this municipal option bill. The best way to do this is to sit down with legislatures and have a conversation with them about the benefits of IRV. We know that talking to our legislators can be intimidating. If you would like to meet with your elected officials or have any questions, please contact us at [email protected]. We can provide support and guidance.

Municipal Resolutions

Municipalities are directly impacted by our bill, which would give towns and cities the option of using instant runoff voting. We want to show the legislature that this is something that they want. Municipalities can do this by passing resolutions in support of IRV. To learn how, please fill out this interest form.

Speaking Opportunities

When people hear about instant runoff voting, they like it. If you are a part of a group that hosts speakers, please consider a Better Ballot SC speaker. We'd love to spread the word among your network.

Are you looking for a flyer to hang up at your local community board? Or maybe something to handout to people? Check out our Printables!

We have an easy way to get involved! Sign our petition! Show your support of instant runoff voting by signing and sharing. Remember to share it to your social media!

If you like what you've read here and would like us to continue our efforts, please donate. We're building momentum here in South Carolina. Help us continue to educate our fellow South Carolinians. Consider making a monthly contribution. It helps us to better strategize our long term goals.

Thank you for reading,

Nicole Sanchez,

President, Better Ballot SC

Here you will find important updates in the world of instant runoff voting and events to attend that help spread the word of IRV/RCV in SC.

Runoffs!

Ready to head to the polls again? The Republicans have statewide, congressional, and some State House races that have gone to a runoff. Democrats have them in congressional district 1 and 2.

Why do we have runoffs? Our primaries require a majority winner, which is good! Unfortunately, the current system requires that we go back in two weeks to cast our votes to ensure that majority winner. Generally, the turnout drops by about half. Many candidates win their runoffs with less votes than they got in the original race - and that's just not right.

Enter Instant Runoff Voting! Since you rank your candidates in the order that you prefer them, we already know who you would have voted for in the primary. Saves the time and money associated with runoffs while ensuring majority support. Plus, more people participate in the final result! Our overseas military and absentee voters already vote this way.

To continue our mission to expand instant runoff (aka ranked choice voting) in South Carolina, please donate today. Your donations help us continue our mission and improve the stability and longevity of the organization.

Social Media!

Do you follow us on your favorite platform? Please do! And remember to like, comment, and share. Facebook, Instagram, X, Threads, Blue Sky, TikTok, and YouTube.

Ever wanted to develop RCV memes? We'd love you ideas! Send 'em our way! Let's get creative! This easy to use form has everything you need.

Great events to get plugged in!

Tabling at the Lexington County Peach Festival: July 4, 2026. This is a great opportunity to talk to people in our more rural areas. Join us to spread the message of more choice and more voice 

Intro to IRV/RCV: June 17, 7pm. Whether you're new to the instant runoff voting movement or you've been around since the beginning, join us to pick up new knowledge. Plus, you can learn the basics of outreach including best practices for the elevator pitch, social media interactions, and letter to the editors.

Statewide Strategy Call: June 23, 6:30pm. Our monthly meetings are the 4th Tuesday of the month! Join us to recap the month and discuss the future, locally. Join us in Columbia, Charleston, or virtually. Everyone will meet on the call and have a quick recap of what the state of the movement in South Carolina is and then we'll break into local groups.

Letter to the Editor Training: every 4th Tuesday of the month, 8pm. Join other IRV enthusiasts in crafting letters for your local newsletters. Best practices and strategies will be discussed. All questions answered. By dedicating focused time to writing LTEs on a regular basis, you can help boost the IRV signal in your community and across the country.

IRV Pitch Training: Thursdays at 8pm. Learn how to pitch Instant Runoff Voting when canvassing on the street or at an event from a Rank the Vote National Organizer! We'll talk about best practices, and have opportunities for you to practice in a friendly environment. All questions welcome.

(https://fairvote.org/lockout-fears-in-california-governor-primary-have-a-fix/)

Plus: Ranked Choice Voting is Working in Maine. It can work elsewhere too: Salon

Multi-Member Districts: How to Fix the Gerrymandering Problem: The Cato Institute

Watch: Maine Voters Talk About Ranked Choice Voting: FairVote

Maine Let Independents In - Than Made candidates Earn a Majority: Independent Voter News

Editorial: Charleston School Board members need broader support than the Legislature requires: Post and Courier

Morning Digest: The GOP hates ranked-choice voting. They'll need it in Maine anyway: The Downballot

Why don't more independents run for office? FairVote

Victory for D.C. Voters: Ranked Choice Voting, Semi-Open Primaries Upheld in the District: Campaign Legal Center

Municipal Option Bill

The Legislative Session is essentially over (except for the budget). This bill is expected to be reintroduced next session. It would give municipalities more choice and more voice in their elections.

We are looking for:

Cosponsors

We are actively looking for cosponsors for this municipal option bill. The best way to do this is to sit down with legislatures and have a conversation with them about the benefits of IRV. We know that talking to our legislators can be intimidating. If you would like to meet with your elected officials or have any questions, please contact us at [email protected]. We can provide support and guidance.

Municipal Resolutions

Municipalities are directly impacted by our bill, which would give towns and cities the option of using instant runoff voting. We want to show the legislature that this is something that they want. Municipalities can do this by passing resolutions in support of IRV. To learn how, please fill out this interest form.

Speaking Opportunities

When people hear about instant runoff voting, they like it. If you are a part of a group that hosts speakers, please consider a Better Ballot SC speaker. We'd love to spread the word among your network.

Are you looking for a flyer to hang up at your local community board? Or maybe something to handout to people? Check out our Printables!

We have an easy way to get involved! Sign our petition! Show your support of instant runoff voting by signing and sharing. Remember to share it to your social media!

If you like what you've read here and would like us to continue our efforts, please donate. We're building momentum here in South Carolina. Help us continue to educate our fellow South Carolinians. Consider making a monthly contribution. It helps us to better strategize our long term goals.

Thank you for reading,

Nicole Sanchez,

President, Better Ballot SC

Here you will find important updates in the world of instant runoff voting and events to attend that help spread the word of IRV/RCV in SC.

Redistricting Update

Yesterday the SC House adjourned after nearly 10 hours of debate. Hundreds of amendments were introduced and some were debated. One by Representative Hamilton Grant was to increase transparency around the process. We learned that as of Monday morning, over 10,000 absentee ballots had been mailed out and over 1,000 had already been returned. In this state, you can't just request an absentee ballot all willy nilly. These are people with legitimate excuses for why the cannot come to the polls, including serving in our military, seniors, and those too ill to make it to the polls.

Representative Nathan Ballentine also introduced an amendment to keep his (and my) community whole. The new maps sever the Irmo, Chapin, Ballentine area into two different districts. It also had the benefit of fixing some split areas in the northern parts of our state as well. When drawing maps, communities are supposed to be kept together.

Both of these amendments were defeated, along with several others.

Then Republicans changed the rules in the middle of the debate. The rules committee met and voted on new rules. Only one amendment per representative can now be introduced (basically eliminating hundreds of amendments) and debate is limited to three minutes, stifling voices. Once again, we're seeing a monthslong process condensed into a short period of time. Democracy takes time to get it right.

This process lacks the time necessary for deliberative thought. Without it, voters will suffer.

Updates on redistricting from the SC Daily Gazette and the Post and Courier.

We need your vote

Early voting starts one week from today. Please vote early and get your voice in for the primary. One of the actions we can take to combat redistricting is voting early. The more people who vote, the harder it is for them to decouple the election and cancel votes for Congress.

But we want you to participate in something a little more fun too. We're revamping our logo! Please vote in this quick ranked choice voting poll to help us determine what our logo will look like! Scroll down on the page to see the full size options. We'll announce the winner in our next Bulletin.

Social Media!

Do you follow us on your favorite platform? Please do! And remember to like, comment, and share. Facebook, Instagram, X, Threads, Blue Sky, TikTok, and YouTube.

Are you interested in contributing to our social media presence? We'd love to hear from you! A video about your favorite things about IRV? Funny or poignant memes? Let's see 'em! Something graphics-focused on a relevant news item? Send 'em our way! Let's get creative! This easy to use form has everything you need.

Great events to get plugged in!

Tabling at the SCDP Convention: May 30, 7:30am. This is a fantastic opportunity to talk to people who have the power to change things in our state. Plus, delegates will be voting on a resolution related to RCV. 

Intro to IRV/RCV: May 20, 7pm. Whether you're new to the instant runoff voting movement or you've been around since the beginning, join us to pick up new knowledge. Plus, you can learn the basics of outreach including best practices for the elevator pitch, social media interactions, and letter to the editors.

Statewide Strategy Call: May 26, 6:30pm. Our monthly meeting are the 4th Tuesday of the month! Join us to recap the month and discuss the future, locally. Join us in Columbia, Charleston, or virtually. Everyone will meet on the call and have a quick recap of what the state of the movement in South Carolina is and then we'll break into local groups.

Tabling at the Abbeville/Laurens Stump: May 31, 2pm. Join us to talk to politically minded people about the benefits of instant runoff/ranked choice voting in a new area.

Letter to the Editor Training: every 1st Monday of the month, 8pm. Join other IRV enthusiasts in crafting letters for your local newsletters. Best practices and strategies will be discussed. All questions answered. By dedicating focused time to writing LTEs on a regular basis, you can help boost the IRV signal in your community and across the country.

IRV Pitch Training: Thursdays at 8pm. Learn how to pitch Instant Runoff Voting when canvassing on the street or at an event from a Rank the Vote National Organizer! We'll talk about best practices, and have opportunities for you to practice in a friendly environment. All questions welcome.

Join our finance committee!

Better Ballot SC is expanding our finance committee! Join us to discuss ways to fund BBSC so that we can continue the good work to improve the way that our state votes. We are an all volunteer organization, but we still have bills. Experience writing grants a bonus, but no experience is required. Just send us an email with your interest.

(https://thehill.com/opinion/campaign/5864273-proportional-representation-democracy/)

Plus: How Ranked Choice Voting is Impacting the Maine Primary: FairVote

From Peltola to Begich, Ranked Choice Voting Delivered What Alaskans Wanted: Sightline

Our Elections are Broken: The New York Times

Maryland Passes First State Law including Ranked Choice Voting: FairVote

Listen: Democracy 2.0, with Lee Drutman: Strength in Numbers Deep Dive

Mixed-Member Proportional Representation and the House of Representatives: New America

We Aren't Paying Enough Attention to What the SCOTUS VRA Decision Means for State Legislatures: TPM

Redistricting without Partisanship: Christian Science Monitor

Berwyn Heights Votes to Explore Ranked Choice Voting: FairVote

Municipal Option Bill

The Legislative Session is essentially over (except for the budget and redistricting). This bill is expected to be reintroduced next session. It would give municipalities more choice and more voice in their elections.

We are looking for:

Cosponsors

We are actively looking for cosponsors for this municipal option bill. The best way to do this is to sit down with legislatures and have a conversation with them about the benefits of IRV. We know that talking to our legislators can be intimidating. If you would like to meet with your elected officials or have any questions, please contact us at [email protected]. We can provide support and guidance.

Municipal Resolutions

Municipalities are directly impacted by our bill, which would give towns and cities the option of using instant runoff voting. We want to show the legislature that this is something that they want. Municipalities can do this by passing resolutions in support of IRV. To learn how, please fill out this interest form.

Speaking Opportunities

When people hear about instant runoff voting, they like it. If you are a part of a group that hosts speakers, please consider a Better Ballot SC speaker. We'd love to spread the word among your network.

Are you looking for a flyer to hang up at your local community board? Or maybe something to handout to people? Check out our Printables!

We have an easy way to get involved! Sign our petition! Show your support of instant runoff voting by signing and sharing. Remember to share it to your social media!

If you like what you've read here and would like us to continue our efforts, please donate. We're building momentum here in South Carolina. Help us continue to educate our fellow South Carolinians. Consider making a monthly contribution. It helps us to better strategize our long term goals.

Thank you for reading,

Nicole Sanchez,

President, Better Ballot SC

Here you will find important updates in the world of instant runoff voting and events to attend that help spread the word of IRV/RCV in SC.

Midlands Give Results

Thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone who came together and gave during Midlands Gives. We beat our goal thanks to our great supporters! We raised $3,100 to support efforts! We're educating about ways to increase voter participation, decrease polarization, increase representation, and more. We have a message of hope, and hope spreads like wildfire. While I breathe, I hope. This hope will turn into action and results.

We've already been doing the work and protecting your ballot right here in SC and now we have the resources to spread the message even further. Thank you.

Social Media!

Do you follow us on your favorite platform? Please do! And remember to like, comment, and share. Facebook, Instagram, X, Threads, Blue Sky, TikTok, and YouTube.

Are you interested in contributing to our social media presence? We'd love to hear from you! A video about your favorite things about IRV? Funny or poignant memes? Let's see 'em! Something graphics-focused on a relevant news item? Send 'em our way! Let's get creative! This easy to use form has everything you need.

Great events to get plugged in!

Majority Rules Screening: May 9, 10am. Check out the true story of how changing the way we vote changes everything, updated for the 2024 election. Join us at Washington Street United Methodist in Columbia for the viewing followed by a Q&A.

Are you interested in showing Majority Rules? Email us.

Tabling at the SCDP Convention: May 30, 7:30am. This is a fantastic opportunity to talk to people who have the power to change things in our state. Plus, delegates will be voting on a resolution to use RCV in SC's Presidential Preference Primary. 

Intro to IRV/RCV: May 20, 7pm. Whether you're new to the instant runoff voting movement or you've been around since the beginning, join us to pick up new knowledge. Plus, you can learn the basics of outreach including best practices for the elevator pitch, social media interactions, and letter to the editors.

Statewide Strategy Call: May 26, 6:30pm. Our monthly meeting are the 4th Tuesday of the month! Join us to recap the month and discuss the future, locally. Join us in Columbia, Charleston, or virtually. Everyone will meet on the call and have a quick recap of what the state of the movement in South Carolina is and then we'll break into local groups.

Tabling at the Abbeville/Laurens Stump: May 31, 2pm. Join us to talk to politically minded people about the benefits of instant runoff/ranked choice voting in a new area.

Letter to the Editor Training: every 1st Monday of the month, 8pm. Join other IRV enthusiasts in crafting letters for your local newsletters. Best practices and strategies will be discussed. All questions answered. By dedicating focused time to writing LTEs on a regular basis, you can help boost the IRV signal in your community and across the country.

IRV Pitch Training: Thursdays at 8pm. Learn how to pitch Instant Runoff Voting when canvassing on the street or at an event from a Rank the Vote National Organizer! We'll talk about best practices, and have opportunities for you to practice in a friendly environment. All questions welcome.

Join our finance committee!

Better Ballot SC is expanding our finance committee! Join us to discuss ways to fund BBSC so that we can continue the good work to improve the way that our state votes. We are an all volunteer organization, but we still have bills. Experience writing grants a bonus, but no experience is required. Just send us an email with your interest.

(https://dc.citycast.fm/dc-politics/ward-1-rashida-brown-miguel-trindade-deramo)

Plus: Ranking Member Raskin's Statement on the Supreme Court's Decision in Louisiana v. Callais

Fixing Our House: What can funder do about gerrymandering: Inside Philanthropy

Genesis Bordner Running for Horry County District 5: Conversations with the Hoff

Successful Virginia Referendum is Latest Front in National Gerrymandering War: FairVote

What to Know About the Supreme Court Ruling in Louisiana v. Callais: FairVote

Watch: 63% of Americans say our government isn't doing enough to protect our environment. So why doesn't congress take action? FairVote

Listen: How Safe Seats Make Politics Worse: Civic Media

A Host of Media and Podcaster Call on Independent Voter Project: Independent Voter News

As political divides deepen, a new party eyes local change in Horry County: The Sun News

Watch: A Neuroscientist Runs for Congress: Andrew Yang Podcast

Great non-election uses of RCV/IRV: I Voted sticker in Colorado and A City Flag in Virginia

H.3589 Municipal Option Bill

This bill will give municipalities the option of using instant runoff voting in elections. Last session we got a hearing, this year we want to go even further, but we need your help.

We are looking for:

Cosponsors

We are actively looking for cosponsors for this municipal option bill. The best way to do this is to sit down with legislatures and have a conversation with them about the benefits of IRV. We know that talking to our legislators can be intimidating. If you would like to meet with your elected officials or have any questions, please contact us at [email protected]. We can provide support and guidance.

Municipal Resolutions

Municipalities are directly impacted by our bill, which would give towns and cities the option of using instant runoff voting. We want to show the legislature that this is something that they want. Municipalities can do this by passing resolutions in support of IRV. To learn how, please fill out this interest form.

Speaking Opportunities

When people hear about instant runoff voting, they like it. If you are a part of a group that hosts speakers, please consider a Better Ballot SC speaker. We'd love to spread the word among your network.

Are you looking for a flyer to hang up at your local community board? Or maybe something to handout to people? Check out our Printables!

We have an easy way to get involved! Sign our petition! Show your support of instant runoff voting by signing and sharing. Remember to share it to your social media!

If you like what you've read here and would like us to continue our efforts, please donate. We're building momentum here in South Carolina. Help us continue to educate our fellow South Carolinians. Consider making a monthly contribution. It helps us to better strategize our long term goals.

Thank you for reading,

Nicole Sanchez,

President, {{broadcaster.name}}
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Here you will find important updates in the world of instant runoff voting and events to attend that help spread the word of IRV/RCV in SC.

IRV for fun!

Today we continue our newest series about the ways that instant runoff/ranked choice voting has been used for choices that are different than official government elections. Prepare yourself for a wide range of stories that span many interests, because at it's core, instant runoff voting is just a good way to determine who or what the majority supports. Today we explore an unlikely use: pharmaceutical development.

Pharmaceuticals? That's right!

Vertex Pharmaceuticals, the maker of treatments for HIV, Hepatitis C, and Cystic Fibrosis, has used instant runoff/ranked choice voting since its inception because it's a great way to find a majority opinion from a large group of people. As the former CEO says, "A decision made by ranked choice voting pulls everyone into the success of the decision." Watch for more.

Social Media!

Do you follow us on your favorite platform? Please do! And remember to like, comment, and share. Facebook, Instagram, X, Threads, Blue Sky, TikTok, and YouTube.

Are you interested in contributing to our social media presence? We'd love to hear from you! A video about your favorite things about IRV? Funny or poignant memes? Let's see 'em! Something graphics-focused on a relevant news item? Send 'em our way! Let's get creative! This easy to use form has everything you need.

Great events to get plugged in!

Statewide Strategy Call: April 28, 6:30pm. Our monthly meeting are the 4th Tuesday of the month! Join us to recap the month and discuss the future, locally. Join us in Columbia, Charleston, or virtually. Everyone will meet on the call and have a quick recap of what the state of the movement in South Carolina is and then we'll break into local groups.

Majority Rules Screening: May 9, 10am. Check out the true story of how changing the way we vote changes everything, updated for the 2024 election. Join us at Washington Street United Methodist in Columbia for the viewing followed by a Q&A.

Are you interested in showing Majority Rules? Email us.

Intro to IRV/RCV: May 20, 7pm. Whether you're new to the instant runoff voting movement or you've been around since the beginning, join us to pick up new knowledge. Plus, you can learn the basics of outreach including best practices for the elevator pitch, social media interactions, and letter to the editors.

Letter to the Editor Training: every 1st Monday of the month, 8pm. Join other IRV enthusiasts in crafting letters for your local newsletters. Best practices and strategies will be discussed. All questions answered. By dedicating focused time to writing LTEs on a regular basis, you can help boost the IRV signal in your community and across the country.

IRV Pitch Training: Thursdays at 8pm. Learn how to pitch Instant Runoff Voting when canvassing on the street or at an event from a Rank the Vote National Organizer! We'll talk about best practices, and have opportunities for you to practice in a friendly environment. All questions welcome.

Join our finance committee!

Better Ballot SC is expanding our finance committee! Join us to discuss ways to fund BBSC so that we can continue the good work to improve the way that our state votes. We are an all volunteer organization, but we still have bills. Experience writing grants a bonus, but no experience is required. Just send us an email with your interest.

(

https://www.sightline.org/2026/04/07/five-ways-election-reform-has-revamped-alaska-politics/)

Plus: Watch: How Redistricting Became a Race to the Bottom: FairVote

Ranked Choice Voting in New Mexico: FairVote

When and why political leaders polarize rhetoric - Evidence from Twitter/X: VoxEU

Listen: Who's Running for Nancy Mace's Seat | Matt Fulmer | SC-01: Breaking the Meta

H.3589 Municipal Option Bill

This bill will give municipalities the option of using instant runoff voting in elections. Last session we got a hearing, this year we want to go even further, but we need your help.

We are looking for:

Cosponsors

We are actively looking for cosponsors for this municipal option bill. The best way to do this is to sit down with legislatures and have a conversation with them about the benefits of IRV. We know that talking to our legislators can be intimidating. If you would like to meet with your elected officials or have any questions, please contact us at [email protected]. We can provide support and guidance.

Postcards

We'll be hand delivering postcards from constituents. Do you want your legislator to know you support IRV or have a group of friends who would like to submit them? Great! Let us know and we'll send them to you.

Municipal Resolutions

Municipalities are directly impacted by our bill, which would give towns and cities the option of using instant runoff voting. We want to show the legislature that this is something that they want. Municipalities can do this by passing resolutions in support of IRV. To learn how, please fill out this interest form.

Speaking Opportunities

When people hear about instant runoff voting, they like it. If you are a part of a group that hosts speakers, please consider a Better Ballot SC speaker. We'd love to spread the word among your network.

Are you looking for a flyer to hang up at your local community board? Or maybe something to handout to people? Check out our Printables!

We have an easy way to get involved! Sign our petition! Show your support of instant runoff voting by signing and sharing. Remember to share it to your social media!

If you like what you've read here and would like us to continue our efforts, please donate. We're building momentum here in South Carolina. Help us continue to educate our fellow South Carolinians. Consider making a monthly contribution. It helps us to better strategize our long term goals.

Thank you for reading,

Nicole Sanchez,

President, Better Ballot SC

Here you will find important updates in the world of instant runoff voting and events to attend that help spread the word of IRV/RCV in SC.

Primary Season has Begun!

Filing closed last week and my feed is full of ads, how about you?

The primaries are all about picking the candidates who will run in November. Some of the people who filed have no competition within their party. Those people are now the nominees for their party and will go on to compete in November. 

Then there are the people who have a challenger on their side of the aisle. Those contests will be decided on June 9th, or possibly on June 23rd, runoff day. When an election has 3 or more candidates, there is a chance that there will be a runoff. A runoff happens when someone doesn't get a majority of votes (50% of votes +1 vote). The more candidates, the greater the chance of a runoff.

There are 22 races that could go to a runoff: Governor, Senate, Treasurer, Congressional District 1, 2, and 4, Commissioner of Agriculture, the Attorney General, and several State House races. Whew. It's going to be a crazy primary season. Follow us on social media as we cover these races and talk about how the runoffs are unnecessary with instant runoff voting. Plus, there are lots of other benefits like decreasing polarization, increasing voter turnout, and decreasing mudslinging.

Social Media!

Do you follow us on your favorite platform? Please do! And remember to like, comment, and share. Facebook, Instagram, X, Threads, Blue Sky, TikTok, and YouTube.

Are you interested in contributing to our social media presence? We'd love to hear from you! A video about your favorite things about IRV? Funny or poignant memes? Let's see 'em! Something graphics-focused on a relevant news item? Send 'em our way! Let's get creative! This easy to use form has everything you need.

Great events to get plugged in!

Tabling at Second Chance Day: April 15, 9:30am. We'll be registering voters and talking to them about how their votes could be more impactful. 

Intro to IRV/RCV: April 15, 7pm. Whether you're new to the instant runoff voting movement or you've been around since the beginning, join us to pick up new knowledge. Plus, you can learn the basics of outreach including best practices for the elevator pitch, social media interactions, and letter to the editors.

Statewide Strategy Call: April 28, 6:30pm. Our monthly meeting are the 4th Tuesday of the month! Join us to recap the month and discuss the future, locally. Join us in Columbia, Charleston, or virtually. Everyone will meet on the call and have a quick recap of what the state of the movement in South Carolina is and then we'll break into local groups.

Letter to the Editor Training: every 1st Monday of the month, 8pm. Join other IRV enthusiasts in crafting letters for your local newsletters. Best practices and strategies will be discussed. All questions answered. By dedicating focused time to writing LTEs on a regular basis, you can help boost the IRV signal in your community and across the country.

IRV Pitch Training: Thursdays at 8pm. Learn how to pitch Instant Runoff Voting when canvassing on the street or at an event from a Rank the Vote National Organizer! We'll talk about best practices, and have opportunities for you to practice in a friendly environment. All questions welcome.

Join our finance committee!

Better Ballot SC is expanding our finance committee! Join us to discuss ways to fund BBSC so that we can continue the good work to improve the way that our state votes. We are an all volunteer organization, but we still have bills. Experience writing grants a bonus, but no experience is required. Just send us an email with your interest.

(https://www.thestate.com/news/politics-government/election/article315253860.html)

Plus: Watch: RCV is coming to DC: Opportunity DC

County Board extends ranked-choice voting but declines to make it permanent: ARLnow

Designing Democracy for Women: Lessons From RepresentWomen's 2026 Solutions Summit: Ms. Magazine

Addressing Our K-Shaped Democracy: The Fulcrum

Cast a ballot and wait for the plane. In Alaska, a grace period for ballots is seen as necessary: AP

'No Kings' protesters at SC State House on Saturday aim for biggest crowd yet: The State

Listen: The Illusion of Choice: Inside the Closed Loop with John Goodwin: We Need a Revolution

Stop Fighting, Start Fixing: This is How We Rebuild Democracy: Democracy SOS

The Primary problem No One Talks About: Expand Democracy

Watch: Libby Schaaf, Mayor of Oakland, on RCV: FairVote

H.3589 Municipal Option Bill

This bill will give municipalities the option of using instant runoff voting in elections. Last session we got a hearing, this year we want to go even further, but we need your help.

We are looking for:

Cosponsors

We are actively looking for cosponsors for this municipal option bill. The best way to do this is to sit down with legislatures and have a conversation with them about the benefits of IRV. We know that talking to our legislators can be intimidating. If you would like to meet with your elected officials or have any questions, please contact us at [email protected]. We can provide support and guidance.

Postcards

We'll be hand delivering postcards from constituents. Do you want your legislator to know you support IRV or have a group of friends who would like to submit them? Great! Let us know and we'll send them to you.

Municipal Resolutions

Municipalities are directly impacted by our bill, which would give towns and cities the option of using instant runoff voting. We want to show the legislature that this is something that they want. Municipalities can do this by passing resolutions in support of IRV. To learn how, please fill out this interest form.

Speaking Opportunities

When people hear about instant runoff voting, they like it. If you are a part of a group that hosts speakers, please consider a Better Ballot SC speaker. We'd love to spread the word among your network.

Are you looking for a flyer to hang up at your local community board? Or maybe something to handout to people? Check out our Printables!

We have an easy way to get involved! Sign our petition! Show your support of instant runoff voting by signing and sharing. Remember to share it to your social media!

If you like what you've read here and would like us to continue our efforts, please donate. We're building momentum here in South Carolina. Help us continue to educate our fellow South Carolinians. Consider making a monthly contribution. It helps us to better strategize our long term goals.

Thank you for reading,

Nicole Sanchez,

President, Better Ballot SC

Here you will find important updates in the world of instant runoff voting and events to attend that help spread the word of IRV/RCV in SC.

IRV for fun!

Today we continue our newest series about the ways that instant runoff/ranked choice voting has been used for choices that are different than official government elections. Prepare yourself for a wide range of stories that span many interests, because at it's core, instant runoff voting is just a good way to determine who the majority supports. The world is abuzz with the results from the Oscars - and so are we.

Did you know that the Academy Award's Best picture category is chosen using ranked choice/instant runoff voting??? It is! 

There are soooo many great movies out there and that means it's a crowded field. Since instant runoff voting is a great way to find a majority in a crowded field it's an easy win. The Academy Awards agrees! Check out this video from FairVote and Mary Arndt to see how it works!

Do you have a fun way that you've used instant runoff voting in your life? Let us know by emailing us.

Great events to get plugged in!

No Kings Day: March 28. This is a great opportunity to spread the word to politically active people. Join fellow supporters in showing future supporters how they can have greater voice in how our government functions.

Plus! Better Ballot SC is hosting candidate speeches on the South grounds of the Statehouse. Volunteer to help coordinate and to make this informative and energizing civic experience a reality.

Intro to IRV/RCV: March 18, 7pm. Whether you're new to the instant runoff voting movement or you've been around since the beginning, join us to pick up new knowledge. Plus, you can learn the basics of outreach including best practices for the elevator pitch, social media interactions, and letter to the editors.

Statewide Strategy Call: March 24, 6:30pm. Our monthly meeting are the 4th Tuesday of the month! Join us to recap the month and discuss the future, locally. Join us in Columbia, Charleston, or virtually. Everyone will meet on the call and have a quick recap of what the state of the movement in South Carolina is and then we'll break into local groups.

Tabling at Second Chance Day: April 15, 9:30am. We'll be registering voters and talking to them about how their votes could be more impactful. 

Letter to the Editor Training: every 1st Monday of the month, 8pm. Join other IRV enthusiasts in crafting letters for your local newsletters. Best practices and strategies will be discussed. All questions answered. By dedicating focused time to writing LTEs on a regular basis, you can help boost the IRV signal in your community and across the country.

IRV Pitch Training: Thursdays at 8pm. Learn how to pitch Instant Runoff Voting when canvassing on the street or at an event from a Rank the Vote National Organizer! We'll talk about best practices, and have opportunities for you to practice in a friendly environment. All questions welcome.

Social Media!

Do you follow us on your favorite platform? Please do! And remember to like, comment, and share. Facebook, Instagram, X, Threads, Blue Sky, TikTok, and YouTube.

Are you interested in contributing to our social media presence? We'd love to hear from you! Funny or poignant memes? Let's see 'em! Something graphics-focused on a relevant news item? Send 'em our way! Let's get creative! This easy to use form has everything you need.

Join our finance committee!

Better Ballot SC is expanding our finance committee! Join us to discuss ways to fund BBSC so that we can continue the good work to improve the way that our state votes. We are an all volunteer organization, but we still have bills. Experience writing grants a bonus, but no experience is required. Just send us an email with your interest.

(https://gothamist.com/news/ny-states-voting-rights-act-withstands-major-test-with-implications-for-nyc-voters)

Plus: Spencer Overton on proportional representation with Cliff Albright: LinkedIn

Can the president nationalize elections? FairVote

Behind the Curtain of America's Big Lie: Axios

Texas Senate House Races Headed to Costly may Runoff Elections: FairVote

With seminars and sample ballots, D.C. is teaching residents about ranked choice voting: The 51st

Andrew Yang on AI,Democracy, and the Hudson Valley Ideas Festival: Chronogram

Ranking Limit Recommendations for Multi-winner ranked choice voting: FairVote

H.3589 Municipal Option Bill

This bill will give municipalities the option of using instant runoff voting in elections. Last session we got a hearing, this year we want to go even further, but we need your help.

We are looking for:

Cosponsors

We are actively looking for cosponsors for this municipal option bill. The best way to do this is to sit down with legislatures and have a conversation with them about the benefits of IRV. We know that talking to our legislators can be intimidating. If you would like to meet with your elected officials or have any questions, please contact us at [email protected]. We can provide support and guidance.

Postcards

We'll be hand delivering postcards from constituents. Do you want your legislator to know you support IRV or have a group of friends who would like to submit them? Great! Let us know and we'll send them to you.

Municipal Resolutions

Municipalities are directly impacted by our bill, which would give towns and cities the option of using instant runoff voting. We want to show the legislature that this is something that they want. Municipalities can do this by passing resolutions in support of IRV. To learn how, please fill out this interest form.

Speaking Opportunities

When people hear about instant runoff voting, they like it. If you are a part of a group that hosts speakers, please consider a Better Ballot SC speaker. We'd love to spread the word among your network.

Are you looking for a flyer to hang up at your local community board? Or maybe something to handout to people? Check out our Printables!

We have an easy way to get involved! Sign our petition! Show your support of instant runoff voting by signing and sharing. Remember to share it to your social media!

If you like what you've read here and would like us to continue our efforts, please donate. We're building momentum here in South Carolina. Help us continue to educate our fellow South Carolinians. Consider making a monthly contribution. It helps us to better strategize our long term goals.

Thank you for reading,

Nicole Sanchez,

President, Better Ballot SC

Here you will find important updates in the world of instant runoff voting and events to attend that help spread the word of IRV/RCV in SC.

We lobbied!!!

Thank you to everyone who came out and everyone who contributed throughout the year to a successful lobbying day. We delivered 656 postcards to our legislators and they know how powerful this movement is for more choice and more voice. 

Our conversations were overwhelmingly positive and they filled me with hope. Our voices are strong and I am thrilled that we had several first time visitors to the Statehouse lobby. Connecting with our representatives is the hallmark of our democracy. Thank you for your participation. If you would like to see more pictures of BBSC lobbying click here.

But this isn't the end! We still need more people to tell their representatives that they want more choice and more voice. Join us at any of our upcoming events to help further the movement.

Great events to get plugged in!

Columbia Resource Fair: March 12, 11am. Join us to interact with members of the community. We'll be registering voters and talking to them about the great way that instant runoff voting could give them more choice and more voice on their ballots. 

No Kings Day: March 28. This is a great opportunity to spread the word to politically active people. Join fellow supporters in showing future supporters how they can have greater voice in how our government functions.

Plus! Better Ballot SC is hosting candidate on the South grounds of the Statehouse. Volunteer to help coordinate and to make this informative and energizing civic experience a reality.

Intro to IRV/RCV: March 18, 7pm. Whether you're new to the instant runoff voting movement or you've been around since the beginning, join us to pick up new knowledge. Plus, you can learn the basics of outreach including best practices for the elevator pitch, social media interactions, and letter to the editors.

Statewide Strategy Call: March 24, 6:30pm. Our monthly meeting are the 4th Tuesday of the month! Join us to recap the month and discuss the future, locally. Join us in Columbia, Charleston, or virtually. Everyone will meet on the call and have a quick recap of what the state of the movement in South Carolina is and then we'll break into local groups.

Letter to the Editor Training: every 1st Monday of the month, 8pm. Join other IRV enthusiasts in crafting letters for your local newsletters. Best practices and strategies will be discussed. All questions answered. By dedicating focused time to writing LTEs on a regular basis, you can help boost the IRV signal in your community and across the country.

IRV Pitch Training: Thursdays at 8pm. Learn how to pitch Instant Runoff Voting when canvassing on the street or at an event from a Rank the Vote National Organizer! We'll talk about best practices, and have opportunities for you to practice in a friendly environment. All questions welcome.

Social Media!

Do you follow us on your favorite platform? Please do! And remember to like, comment, and share. Facebook, Instagram, X, Threads, Blue Sky, TikTok, and YouTube.

Are you interested in contributing to our social media presence? We'd love to hear from you! Funny or poignant memes? Let's see 'em! Something graphics-focused on a relevant news item? Send 'em our way! Let's get creative! This easy to use form has everything you need.

The Importance of an Executive Director

Better Ballot SC is an all volunteer organization that has worked to educate and advocate, but to be more effective, to effect real change in our communities, we need to take our next big step, and we need your help to do it.

This leader will drive our outreach, expand our coalition, and push IRV over the finish line in the Statehouse. The truth is, without this dedicated leadership, our progress could stall and South Carolina can’t afford to wait.

Your donation today to will help make this imperative step a reality. Please consider a recurring donation so that we can better budget for the future.

(https://fairvote.org/press/fact-sheet-ranked-choice-voting-2026-primaries/)

Plus: Volunteers gather signatures for these ballot proposals in Michigan: CBS News

Editorial: Candidates deserve spots on SC ballots; parties don't: Post & Courier

Several Illinois municipalities are trying to implement ranked choice voting: NPR Illinois

Indiana became the 19th state to ban ranked choice voting: Ballotpedia

Landmark Settlement Calls for NY Community to Implement Ranked-Choice Voting: Law.com

How a pair of ‘curious’ (and ‘skeptical’) data scientists decoded the ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ Rate-A-Queen voting method: Goldberry

R Street Testimony in Support of VA SB176, Expanding Ranked Choice Voting: R Street

Fact Sheet: Ranked Choice Voting & and the 2026 Primaries: FairVote

Other electoral reform news

Five Questions on Fusion Voting, Answered: Democracy

Watch: What do data centers have to do with democracy: FairVote

South Carolina Redistricting Debate Shows Risk for Republicans: Bloomberg

Only a fraction of House seat are competitive. Redistricting is driving that lower: NPR

81% of Americans Say Money Controls Politics - Can a Constitutional Amendment fix it?: Independent Voter News

83% Want Voter ID - So Why Is Congress Fighting It? SAVE Act Explained: Independent Voter News

H.3589 Municipal Option Bill

This bill will give municipalities the option of using instant runoff voting in elections. Last session we got a hearing, this year we want to go even further, but we need your help.

We are looking for:

Cosponsors

We are actively looking for cosponsors for this municipal option bill. The best way to do this is to sit down with legislatures and have a conversation with them about the benefits of IRV. We know that talking to our legislators can be intimidating. If you would like to meet with your elected officials or have any questions, please contact us at [email protected]. We can provide support and guidance.

Postcards

We'll be hand delivering postcards from constituents. Do you want your legislator to know you support IRV or have a group of friends who would like to submit them? Great! Let us know and we'll send them to you.

Municipal Resolutions

Municipalities are directly impacted by our bill, which would give towns and cities the option of using instant runoff voting. We want to show the legislature that this is something that they want. Municipalities can do this by passing resolutions in support of IRV. To learn how, please fill out this interest form.

Speaking Opportunities

When people hear about instant runoff voting, they like it. If you are a part of a group that hosts speakers, please consider a Better Ballot SC speaker. We'd love to spread the word among your network.

Are you looking for a flyer to hang up at your local community board? Or maybe something to handout to people? Check out our Printables!

We have an easy way to get involved! Sign our petition! Show your support of instant runoff voting by signing and sharing. Remember to share it to your social media!

If you like what you've read here and would like us to continue our efforts, please donate. We're building momentum here in South Carolina. Help us continue to educate our fellow South Carolinians. Consider making a monthly contribution. It helps us to better strategize our long term goals.

Thank you for reading,

Nicole Sanchez,

President, Better Ballot SC