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.
Ranked Choice Voting Act Introduced in Congress
Representatives Jamie Raskin (MD) and Don Beyer (VA) introduced the Ranked Choice Voting Act. This legislation would require instant runoff elections in all congressional primaries and general elections, giving voters more voice and more choice. Senator Peter Welch (VT) is introducing a companion bill in the Senate. For more: FairVote Action (X), Raskin's Press Release, FairVote Action (site)
Plus, Charlottesville officially passes IRV for their city. Wouldn't it be nice if SC municipalities had this flexibility...
For more on Charlottesvilles: FairVote, Cville Right Now (Mayor), Cville Right Now (City Council Approves)
SC's Path Forward
While Virginia cities have the option of simply adopting IRV, SC municipalities only have three options available to them and we need to go through the legislature to allow IRV to be the fourth option. That means that we need to convince the legislature. How do we do that?
Contact your Mayor. Mayors are the top officials within municipalities and we need their voices of support for IRV. We're launching a mayoral outreach campaign. We're asking that you reach out to your mayors with a letter and follow up call. In this folder are letters to send to mayors along with a one-pager that explains the basics of IRV. Any questions? Just let us know by emailing [email protected] or call/text 803-881-6027. We'd also love to know that you've sent it in so we can follow up.
Get the people on our side. We find that when people hear about IRV, they like it. The more people who know, the more people who will tell their legislators that this is something they want for their municipalities. The people's voice can win. That means canvassing and speaking at other organization's meetings. Do you know of a great place to canvass or an organization that needs to hear our message? Let us know by contacting [email protected]
Great events to get plugged in!
Canvassing at the Irmo Okra Strut: Sept 29. Join us for tabling at the Imro Okra Strut Festival. We'll bring the clipboards and pens, you bring the enthusiasm and smiles! We'll be to talking to future supporters about the benefits of instant runoff voting. Please sign up for a shift today.
Statewide Strategy Call: Sept 24, 7pm. 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: Oct 7, 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://news.ballotpedia.org/2024/09/02/colorado-becomes-sixth-state-to-add-ranked-choice-voting-question-to-nov-ballot/)
Plus:
Colorado to vote on ranked-choice voting, eliminating partisan primaries: Colorado Public Radio
Want to be more connected? Join our Slack channel!
The 2024 Presidential Primaries and Ranked Choice Voting: FairVote
Building a Science of Democracy Repair: Ted Talk
Jesse Sumner: Open primary and ranked-choice voting is good for conservatives, Wasilla, and Alaska: Must Read Alaska
Municipal Option Bill
To be introduced again 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 2024 legislative is over, but that does NOT mean the effort is. The bill will be reintroduced and 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.
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!
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,
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