Welcome to a Special Edition of the Better Ballot Bulletin. Alaska used instant runoff voting (aka ranked choice voting) for the first time and the results are in.

Alaska's Particular Type of IRV

There are different types of instant runoff voting. Alaska conducts what is referred to as a jungle or blanket primary first. This is a free for all where anyone who qualifies under Alaska law can run. This special election turned out 10 candidates, but only the top 4 voter getters, regardless of party, advanced to the general election.

The results: Sarah Palin (R) 27%, Nicholas Begich III (R) 19%, Al Gross (I) 12%, and Mary Peltola (D) 12%. As you can see, Republicans secured the largest vote share. That makes sense when one considers that there are more registered Republicans than Democrats in Alaska. However, there are even more Alaskans that are undeclared or affiliated with a third party.

Al Gross dropped out of the race, but not early enough to allow another candidate to take his place on the ballot. This meant that on August 14 Alaskans only had 3 options instead of 4.

The Results

What took so long?

Alaska is a huge state with a lot of rural area. They allowed up to two weeks for mail in ballots to be returned (August 31st). When they had all the ballots, they pushed the button and quickly got the instant runoff result.

And the winner is...

Mary Peltola

Key Takeaways:

A Positive Campaign

Peltola, the first Alaska native to serve in congress, ran a campaign that focused on her positive vision for Alaska. She served in the legislature and built bridges between Democrats and Republicans. She is all about developing Alaska and utilizing its resources in a way that Alaskans support.

Buying into the System

Peltola supported the new IRV system from the start and bought into it. She took selfies with her rivals and focused more on her policies than on tearing down her opponents.

The Republicans did no such thing. They fought amongst each other instead of lifting each other up. Check out this article from Alaska Public Media.

Sarah Palin campaigned against RCV/IRV, which likely caused voters not to rank her as their second choice. Check out this analysis by FairVote Action.

Voters Understood the System and Like It

According to a new poll conducted by Patinkin Research Strategies, 85% of voters found RCV to be simple and 95% of voters received instructions on how to use the system.

High Voter Turn Out

Though this was a special case for an open seat (Don Young had held the position for nearly 50 years), voter turnout was higher than in the last three primaries

Valid Ballots

99.8% of all ballots cast were valid, confirming that voters did understand the system.

What's next?

Alaska has joined Maine as the only two states to use IRV statewide, but this is new territory for Alaska and the IRV movement in general because the system they use is different than Maine's.

This first case was a singular election. At the same time that Alaskans were ranking their candidates in the special election for their US House Seat, they were also voting in the primary for the regular general election in November. Come November, Alaskans will be voting in over 60 instant runoff contests.

Confused about the difference between instant runoff voting and ranked choice voting? No worries. They're the same thing. It's also called preferential voting and the alternative vote. At Better Ballot South Carolina, we use the term instant runoff voting because voters can easily see the connection between this upgrade to the way we vote and our current runoff system.

Events to Help Further IRV in SC

Canvassing at the Irmo Okra Strut Festival: Sept 24. This local favorite is sure to turn out lots of people. Join us to talk to festival goers about the benefits of instant runoff voting.

Weekly Work Jam and Welcome: These free form Zoom sessions are all about getting work done. Roll up your sleeves to learn a new skill or contribute with what your best at. Wednesdays: Sept 7 and Sept 21

Curious what we'll be working on? Check out our Slack (click here to join) or Facebook beforehand.

Phone Banking with Better Ballot SC: Sept 13 and Sept 27 at 6pm. Time to hit the phones! We have supporters and we need too mobilize them. Join us biweekly.

Future Events to get Excited About!

Canvassing at the South Carolina Pride Fest: Oct 15. Join us to celebrate and talk to a great crowd of people on Main Street in Columbia.

IRV Day Rally 1/23: Jan 23. We're going to the state house and you should come too! Let's show them how many of us want this simple, common sense upgrade!

Want to be more connected? Join our Slack channel!

Easy Ways to Help the Cause

Hang some flyers: Check out our Printables!

Sign and Share the Petition: Petition!

Donate to the cause: Donate! Consider making a monthly contribution. It helps us to better strategize our long term goals.

Thank you for your time,

Nicole Sanchez

President, BetterBallotSC
http://www.betterballotsc.org/

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

News in Instant Runoff Voting

Alaska Results are in! Peltola won after buying into the IRV/RCV system and had a campaign focused on issues that matter to Alaskans. More on this in another newsletter to follow.

Voters Rank When It Matters...Except When They're Told Not To: FairVote Action

Rob Richie On Ranked Choice Voting and Election Reform: C-Span

Women Candidates Boost Other Women Candidates Candidates in RCV Elections: FairVote

Better Ballot SC Events

Weekly Work Jam and Welcome: These free form Zoom sessions are all about getting work done. Roll up your sleeves to learn a new skill or contribute with what your best at. Wednesdays: Aug 17 and Sept 7

Curious what we'll be working on? Check out our Slack (click here to join) or Facebook beforehand.

Phone Banking with Better Ballot SC: Aug 23 and Sept 13 at 6pm. Time to hit the phones! We have supporters and we need too mobilize them. Join us biweekly.

National Pitch Training: Join IRV fans weekly from across the country to learn from the experts how to talk to people about this great policy!

Quarterly Statewide Call: Wednesday October 26 @ 7pm. Join us to get the latest updates and discussion on upcoming events and strategy. We'll be meeting via Zoom. Register here.

Future Events to get Excited About!

Canvassing at the Irmo Okra Strut Festival: Sept 24. This local favorite is sure to turn out lots of people. Join us to talk to festival goers about the benefits of instant runoff voting.

Canvassing at the South Carolina Pride Fest: Oct 15. Join us to celebrate and talk to a great crowd of people on Main Street in Columbia.

IRV Day Rally 1/23: Jan 23. We're going to the state house and you should come too! Let's show them how many of us want this simple, common sense upgrade!

Want to be more connected? Join our Slack channel!

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!

Did you know that there are Better Ballot SC Facebook groups for your county? Join yours today to help build the movement in your backyard

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.

Hope to see you soon,

Nicole Sanchez

President, BetterBallotSC
http://www.betterballotsc.org/

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

News in Instant Runoff Voting

An Important Reminder of How Elections Work - and how SC's could work better: Post and Courier

Bringing Back Local Issues Through the Fair Representation Act: FairVote

Measuring the Effects of Ranked Choice Voting in Republican Primaries: Center for Campaign Innovation

Better Ballot SC Events

Canvassing at the Main Street Latin Festival: Aug 27 at 10am. Join us for canvassing at the Soda City Market in Columbia. We'll bring the clipboards and pens, you bring the enthusiasm and smiles!

Weekly Work Jam and Welcome: These free form Zoom sessions are all about getting work done. Roll up your sleeves to learn a new skill or contribute with what your best at. Wednesdays: Aug 17 and Sept 7

Curious what we'll be working on? Check out our Slack (click here to join) or Facebook beforehand.

Phone Banking with Better Ballot SC: Aug 23 and Sept 13 at 6pm. Time to hit the phones! We have supporters and we need too mobilize them. Join us biweekly.

National Pitch Training: Join IRV fans weekly from across the country to learn from the experts how to talk to people about this great policy!

Quarterly Statewide Call: Wednesday October 26 @ 7pm. Join us to get the latest updates and discussion on upcoming events and strategy. We'll be meeting via Zoom. Register here.

Future Events to get Excited About!

Canvassing at the Irmo Okra Strut Festival: Sept 24. This local favorite is sure to turn out lots of people. Join us to talk to festival goers about the benefits of instant runoff voting.

Canvassing at the South Carolina Pride Fest: Oct 15. Join us to celebrate and talk to a great crowd of people on Main Street in Columbia.

IRV Day Rally 1/23: Jan 23. We're going to the state house and you should come too! Let's show them how many of us want this simple, common sense upgrade!

Want to be more connected? Join our Slack channel!

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!

Did you know that there are Better Ballot SC Facebook groups for your county? Join yours today to help build the movement in your backyard

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.

Hope to see you soon,

Nicole Sanchez

President, BetterBallotSC
http://www.betterballotsc.org/

News in Instant Runoff Voting

This voting shortcut works for SC military; it could work for the rest of us: Post and Courier

Opinion: Instant runoffs offer states a chance to increase security and save money: The Hill

The State of Congress. An Argument for the Fair Representation Act: FairVote

Better Ballot SC Events

Canvassing at the Soda City Market: Aug 13, 10am. Join us for canvassing at the Soda City Market in Columbia. We'll bring the clipboards and pens, you bring the enthusiasm and smiles!

Weekly Work Jam and Welcome: These free form Zoom sessions are all about getting work done. Roll up your sleeves to learn a new skill or contribute with what your best at. Wednesdays: Aug 3 and Aug 17.

Curious what we'll be working on? Check out our Slack (click here to join) or Facebook beforehand.

Phone Banking with Better Ballot SC: Aug 9 and Aug 23 at 6pm. Time to hit the phones! We have supporters and we need too mobilize them. Join us biweekly.

National Pitch Training: Join IRV fans from across the country to learn from the experts how to talk to people about this great policy! Aug 4 and Aug 11.

Quarterly Statewide Call: Wednesday October 26 @ 7pm. Join us to get the latest updates and discussion on upcoming events and strategy. We'll be meeting via Zoom. Register here.

Want to be more connected? Join our Slack channel!

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!

Did you know that there are Better Ballot SC Facebook groups for your county? Join yours today to help build the movement in your backyard

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.

Hope to see you soon,

Nicole Sanchez

President, BetterBallotSC
http://www.betterballotsc.org/

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

News in Instant Runoff Voting

Ballot Measures across the country gain momentum! Check out their progress: FairVote Action.

In South Carolina, we have to go through our representatives. Interested in talking to yours? Contact us at [email protected] to learn more.

NYC Gave a Thumbs Up to IRV: Times Union

Check out how the Canadian Conservative Party picks its leaders. Spoiler: They use IRV. Toronto Star

Fewest Votes Wins: 56 Statewide and Congressional Primaries Won With Less Than 50% of the Vote: FairVote

Better Ballot SC Events

Quarterly Statewide Call: THIS MONTH!! Wednesday July 27 @ 7pm. Join us to get the latest updates and discussion on upcoming events and strategy. We'll be meeting via Zoom. Register here.

Weekly Work Jam and Welcome: These free form Zoom sessions are all about getting work done. Roll up your sleeves to learn a new skill or contribute with what your best at. Wednesdays: July 20 and Aug 3.

Curious what we'll be working on? Check out our Slack (click here to join) or Facebook beforehand.

Phone Banking with Better Ballot SC: July 26 and Aug 9 at 6pm. Time to hit the phones! We have supporters and we need too mobilize them. Join us biweekly.

National Pitch Training: Join IRV fans from across the country to learn from the experts how to talk to people about this great policy! July 28. and Aug 4.

Canvassing at the Soda City Market: Aug 13, 10am. Join us for canvassing at the Soda City Market in Columbia. We'll bring the clipboards and pens, you bring the enthusiasm and smiles!

Want to be more connected? Join our Slack channel!

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!

Did you know that there are Better Ballot SC Facebook groups for your county? Join yours today to help build the movement in your backyard

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.

Hope to see you soon,

Nicole Sanchez

President, BetterBallotSC
http://www.betterballotsc.org/

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

News in Instant Runoff Voting

Editorial: A Better Way to Get to 50% plus 1: The Post and Courier

Simplify Primaries: The Sun News (2nd article down).

Comparing Virginia and Ohio Republicans primary races, IRV vs Plurality: Dayton Daily News

How Instant Runoff Voting Gives Voters More Choices: US Vote Foundation

Hoboken, NJ and Trigger Ordinances, A Path for IRV in SC: Hudson Reporter. Trigger ordinances show the legislature that there is a demand for IRV. Are you an official interested in trigger ordinances or know someone who might be? Let us know at [email protected]

Ever wonder how IRV works in races with multiple winners? Check this out: FairVote

Better Ballot SC Events

Canvassing at the Soda City Market: TOMORROW! July 2, 10am. Join us for canvassing at the Soda City Market in Columbia. We'll bring the clipboards and pens, you bring the enthusiasm and smiles!

Weekly Work Jam and Welcome: These free form Zoom sessions are all about getting work done. Roll up your sleeves to learn a new skill or contribute with what your best at. Wednesdays: July 6 and July 20.

Curious what we'll be working on? Check out our Slack (click here to join) or Facebook beforehand.

Phone Banking with Better Ballot SC: July 12 and July 26 at 6pm. Time to hit the phones! We have supporters and we need too mobilize them. Join us biweekly.

National Pitch Training: Join IRV fans from across the country to learn from the experts how to talk to people about this great policy! July 7, July 14, July 21, and July 28.

Quarterly Statewide Call: Wednesday July 27 @ 7pm. Join us to get the latest updates and discussion on upcoming events and strategy. We'll be meeting via Zoom. Register here.

Want to be more connected? Join our Slack channel!

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!

Did you know that there are Better Ballot SC Facebook groups for your county? Join yours today to help build the movement in your backyard

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.

Hope to see you soon,

Nicole Sanchez

President, BetterBallotSC
http://www.betterballotsc.org/

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

News in Instant Runoff Voting

SC Democrats Add IRV to Their Platform: Democrats voted to add IRV (referred to as Ranked Choice Voting) to their platform Saturday, June 11 at their State Convention

Did you know that it was already on the Libertarians, Greens, and Alliance platforms? Want to add it to yours or did we miss someone? Let us know by emailing us at [email protected]

Better Ballot at the Primaries: Better Ballot SC volunteers were out at the polls educating voters and finding supporters. Remember, every person we talk to about instant runoff voting brings us one step closer to our goals.

Did you see all those runoffs? Us too. Write a letter to the editor about it and tell them what a common sense solution IRV is. Check out our Letter to the Editor How To.

Monopoly Politics and How IRV Can Help: FairVote

Advancing Voting Reforms with Rob Richie: RESISTANCE Dashboard

Better Ballot SC Events

Weekly Work Jam and Welcome: These free form Zoom sessions are all about getting work done. Roll up your sleeves to learn a new skill or contribute with what your best at. Wednesdays: June 22 and July 6.

Curious what we'll be working on? Check out our Slack (click here to join) or Facebook beforehand.

Phone Banking with Better Ballot SC: June 16 and June 30 at 7pm. Time to hit the phones! We have supporters and we need too mobilize them. Join us biweekly.

Meeting and Trivia at the British Bulldog Pub: June 15. Join us for a low key Better Ballot Meeting at 6:30 followed by British Bulldog hosted trivia at 7:00. A great meeting for first timers and BBSC veterans alike.

Tabling at Principles First: The Tour. June 25. Principles First is holding an event in North Charleston and we have a table! Join us to sign people up for the IRV movement.

Quarterly Statewide Call: Wednesday July 27 @ 7pm. Join us to get the latest updates and discussion on upcoming events and strategy. We'll be meeting via Zoom. Register here.

Want to be more connected? Join our Slack channel!

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!

Did you know that there are Better Ballot SC Facebook groups for your county? Join yours today to help build the movement in your backyard

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.

Hope to see you soon,

Nicole Sanchez

President, BetterBallotSC
http://www.betterballotsc.org/

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

News in Instant Runoff Voting

The primaries are just two weeks away. See below for plans and opportunities for involvement.

Georgia had their primaries, and are preparing for their runoffs: Athens Banner-Herald

Virginia Republicans Embrace IRV: FairVote

Curious How Austrilian IRV Elctions Work? Read this: Election Reform Society

Instant Runoff Voting for Presidential Primaries: FairVote Action

Better Ballot SC Events

Pitch Training, Elections Edition: June 9. Learn the ins and outs of canvassing from the pros! It's about talking to people about IRV (with a focus on runoffs) with or without a clipboard.

Canvassing at the Primaries: We haven't nailed down the exact details yet, but we'll be around Columbia, Charleston, and Greenville at elections ripe for a runoff! RSVP today.

Not in your area? Host a canvass instead. Reach out to us at [email protected] or join us for our pitch training to learn how.

Weekly Work Jam and Welcome: These free form Zoom sessions are all about getting work done. Roll up your sleeves to learn a new skill or contribute with what your best at. Wednesdays: June 8 and June 22.

Curious what we'll be working on? Check out our Slack (click here to join) or Facebook beforehand.

Meeting and Trivia at the British Bulldog Pub: June 15. Join us for a low key Better Ballot Meeting at 6:30 followed by British Bulldog hosted trivia at 7:00. A great meeting for first timers and BBSC veterans alike.

Quarterly Statewide Call: Wednesday July 27 @ 7pm. Join us to get the latest updates and discussion on upcoming events and strategy. We'll be meeting via Zoom. Register here.

Want to be more connected? Join our Slack channel!

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!

Did you know that there are Better Ballot SC Facebook groups for your county? Join yours today to help build the movement in your backyard

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.

Hope to see you soon,

Nicole Sanchez

President, BetterBallotSC
http://www.betterballotsc.org/

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

News in Instant Runoff Voting

Two New Studies about the NYC IRV primary last year. (Great news, read for details): FairVote and Unite America

Howie Hawkins Launches Campaign for NY Governor. (IRV is on his platform. Read to find out why): WSKG

"Whig-ing Out" Over the History of Single-Member Plurality Voting. (Perfect read for people wondering how to counter the "We've always voted this way" argument): FairVote

Better Ballot SC Events

Weekly Work Jam and Welcome: These free form Zoom sessions are all about getting work done. Roll up your sleeves to learn a new skill or contribute with what your best at. Wednesdays: May 18 and June 8.

Curious what we'll be working on? Check out our Slack (click here to join) or Facebook beforehand.

Canvassing at the Soda City Market: May 21. They'll come for the food and shopping and we'll educate them about instant runoff voting. Join us for a good time talking to our fellow South Carolinians.

Quarterly Statewide Call: Wednesday July 27 @ 7pm. Join us to get the latest updates and discussion on upcoming events and strategy. We'll be meeting via Zoom. Register here.

Want to be more connected? Join our Slack channel!

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!

Did you know that there are Better Ballot SC Facebook groups for your county? Join yours today to help build the movement in your backyard

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.

Hope to see you soon,

Nicole Sanchez

President, BetterBallotSC
http://www.betterballotsc.org/