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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/RCV in SC.

We had a rally!

Speakers from across the state and even one special guest from Virginia spoke at the rally.

Thank you to everyone who came. Not only did we learn more about instant runoff voting, but we move the conversation forward!

Organization unite for rally in support of instant runoff voting: ABCNews4

Representative Jermaine Johnson (D) and Former VA Representative Chris Saxman (R)

Charleston City Councilman Karl Brady

Irmo Town Councilman Erik Sickinger

Former Colonel US Army and State Lead of Veterans for All Voters Christopher Himsl

Presidential candidate Chase Oliver

Didn't make it this year? I'm sorry you missed out, but mark your calendars. We'll be back next year!

And there was a hearing!

(It was a busy week)

Several spoke in favor of 4022, Instant Runoff Voting, but there was opposition. Click here to view the video recording (January 25, 9am, House Judiciary Constitutional Law Subcommittee)

If you submitted written testimony, thank you! There was no vote taken, but we weren't expecting there to be, yet. We have laid a solid foundation and we will be sure to update you on any further developments.

The subcommittee: Chairman Jay Jordan, Weston Newton, Travis A Moore, Will Wheeler, and Justin Bamberg (absent)

Former VA House Delegate (Representative) Chris Saxman

President of Better Ballot SC Nicole Sanchez

Plus, R Street published their written testimony

DONATE

Better Ballot SC Events

Statewide Strategy Call: April 24, 7pm. Join us to recap the quarter and discuss the future. We have lots coming up. RSVP today. We're going *hybrid* again! We'll be in Columbia!

News in Instant Runoff Voting

Letters: South Carolina should try ranked-choice voting: Post and Courier

GOP Caucus in Virgin Islands, Often Overlooked, Getting More Attention This Year: The Well News

Editorial: SC's military and overseas voters get this option. Why don't the rest of us? Post and Courier

Oscars 2024: How is ranked choice voting used? FairVote

Ranked-Choice Voting would dramatically improve the 2024 Republican Primary: The Dispatch

Update: Ranked Choice Voting Benefits Candidates and Voters of Color: FairVote

Want to be more connected? Join our Slack channel!

GET INVOLVED

H.4022

Introduced by Representatives Neal Collins (R-5) and Dr Jermaine Johnson (D-70)

This bill will give municipalities the option of using instant runoff voting in elections. The regular 2023 legislative is over, but that does NOT mean the effort is. We will be doubling our efforts to find more supporters. We need to gather more support so that we can push it even further next session!

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 of Support

Individual municipalities are key to our strategy. When the elected officials who will be most affected by this new option are supportive, it will go a long way to show the legislature that this should be passed.

Not all town and city council members know about this great upgrade to the way that we vote. To learn more about how to spread the word, email us at [email protected]

Business Support

The South Carolina Small Business Chamber of Commerce has joined our coalition in support of instant runoff voting/ranked choice voting.

They are actively looking for businesses to sign on and show their support. If you are a business owner or know one, please sign the petition.

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.

Thank you for reading,

Nicole Sanchez,

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

Better Ballot South Carolina
Greenville, SC