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.
What does instant runoff voting do?
Here we talk a lot about instant runoff voting. It's kind of our thing. But why? Today starts a series where we'll look at some of the benefits of instant runoff voting, starting with clean campaigns. Looking for news and events? Scroll down. They're still here.
One of the most frequent complaints about elections is the mudslinging. The non-stop, incessant name calling and personal attacks distract from what actually matters. What does the candidate want to DO? What is their positive vision for the future of their district?
The current system incentivizes this behavior. The loudest, angriest voice gets the most clicks, the most air time. They suck up the oxygen. So why be cordial? Why focus on policy when the system doesn't reward it?
How does IRV clean up campaigns?
It's all about those ranking. When voters can rank their candidates, candidates need the rankings to win. If candidate A insults my top pick, candidate B, I'm sure not going to rank them on my ballot. IRV incentivizes them to focus on their own policies and vision for their district instead of on their opponent's inconsequential faults.
Great events to get plugged in!
Statewide Strategy Call: August 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.
IRV 101 + Social Media Ambassadorship: August 28, 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 to utilize social media to its fullest potential! Social media is a great organizing tool, if used properly.
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.
(https://fairvote.org/press/fair-representation-act-2025)
Plus:
How two-party systems foster conspiracy theories, the “Japanese First” Party, Rank MI Vote, college reform stacking, and timely links: The Expand Democracy 5
Opinion: Don't let NYC botch our elections: City & State New York
Juneau could become first major Alaska city to adopt ranked choice voting for local elections: KTOO (IRV is used statewide in Alaska, but local jurisdictions need to choose to adopt it)
New analysis from the NYC Primary: Anonymous Cast Vote Records released to give more detail on how voters interacted with the RCV system.
How did New Yorkers rank their mayoral candidates? The data is in: The Gothamist
Watch: RCV 2025 and Beyond: Lessons Learned from NYC: FairVote
New York City Cast Vote Record: An Initial Analysis of the 2025 Democratic Mayoral Primary: FairVote
DC Voters overwhelmingly approved IRV in the November 2024 election. Check out some new updates.
DC Council votes to fund ranked choice voting implementation in nation’s capital: FairVote
DC Council partially funds ranked choice voting, falls short of full implementation: FOX5
Indicted Washington, DC official returns to office with 30% support – a reminder why DC is moving to 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,
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