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.

H.3589 Introduced

Prefiles have concluded. Representative Dr. Jermaine Johnson has filed our municipal option bill. Last year we had a fantastic lobbying effort around our bill and got a hearing. This year we'll be doubling down on our advocacy efforts.

It all starts with our lobbying day and rally. Join us to tell our legislators that we want more voice and more choice.

Great events to get plugged in!

IRV/RCV Rally: Jan 28, 2025, Statehouse steps. It's time to rally! Join us for great speakers and fellowship. Join us afterwards for fellowship and food.

Lobbying Day: Jan 28, 2025, Statehouse Lobby. Direct, constituent lobbying is one of the impactful ways to have your voice heard. We need to speak to our representatives and let them know about the importance of instant runoff voting. Training will be provided.

Letter to the Editor Training: Jan 6, 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://www.adn.com/opinions/2024/11/26/opinion-alaskans-spoke-were-listening-and-acting/)

Plus:

While South Carolina doesn't have runoffs for our general elections, other states do. Unsurprisingly, the runoffs had low turn out. Check out Louisiana and Georgia.

Want to be more connected? Join our Slack channel!

The future of instant runoff voting reform: The Brookings Institute

'It's a very dangerous strategy': The controversial tactic super PACs used to boost Democrats this year: Politico

News from Alaska: IRV Repeal Fails, 5 Takeaways from Alaska's Elections, and Take the Quiz: How would you mark these ballot errors?

New surveys: Alaska and Portland, OR voters find ranked choice voting simple: FairVote

47% of voters feel they voted for "lesser of two evils" in 2024 elections: FairVote

Some fun to close out the news section: Andrew Yang's Ted Talk about electoral reform made the top ten Ted Talks! Plus, right whales named using instant runoff voting.

Municipal Option Bill

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,

President, Better Ballot SC