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 we continue our series on the benefits of instant runoff/ranked choice voting, continuing with decreasing political polarization. Looking for news and events? Scroll down. They're still here.
IRV/RCV Decreases Polarization
The political divide in our country has been increasing for decades. There are many factors that contribute to this problem: gerrymandering, the removal of the Fairness Doctrine, the 24 hour news cycle, etc. There is a crucial one that gets little focus: the way that we elect our representatives.
Our current system incentivizes candidates to speak to their most extreme voters because that base can deliver a win. With an instant runoff voting system, candidates need a majority to win so they must have a broader message that speaks to more people. That's where the rankings come in. If the candidate isn't your first pick, they're trying hard to be your second or third with a broadly appealing message.
It also changes the tone candidates use for the same reason. There is a line from extreme rhetoric to extreme action. Since candidates want to pick up those second and third place votes, their rhetoric is clamped down and campaigns are less divisive.
The results of polarization are clear: a divided society that is leaning more and more into political violence. We need to change the system to pull us back from this new normal.
Systemic change to the way that we vote is necessary to reduce polarization and political violence.
We need instant runoff/ranked choice voting now. Donate today to help make this necessary change in our elections.
Social Media!
Do you follow us on your favorite platform? Please do! And remember to like, comment, and share. Facebook, Instagram, X, Threads, Blue Sky, and TikTok
Are you interested in contributing to our social media presence? We'd love to hear from you! Funny or poignant memes? Let's see 'em! Something graphics-focused on a relevant news item? Send 'em our way! Let's get creative! This easy to use form has everything you need.
Great events to get plugged in!
IRV/RCV 101 + Outreach 101: September 17, 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 the basics of outreach including best practices for the elevator pitch, social media interactions, and letter to the editors.
Statewide Strategy Call: September 23, 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.
SC Green Party Convention: September 20, 1:30pm. We'll be tabling at the SC Green Party Convention. Let's talk to interested attendees about how IRV/RCV can solve the problem of the spoiler effect and more!
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.
Tabling at SCUUJA Fall Fest: October 4, 10am. Join BBSC at the SC Unitarian Universalist Justice Alliance Fall Festival! There are two shifts. Please sign up today to help spread the positive message of instant runoff voting.
SPLIT
The Importance of an Executive Director
Better Ballot SC is an all volunteer organization that has worked to educate and advocate, but to be more effective, to effect real change in our communities, we need to take our next big step, and we need your help to do it.
This leader will drive our outreach, expand our coalition, and push IRV over the finish line in the Statehouse. The truth is, without this dedicated leadership, our progress could stall and South Carolina can’t afford to wait.
Your donation today to will help make this imperative step a reality. Please consider a recurring donation so that we can better budget for the future.
Plus: Fun IRV elections are a great way to spread the word. Check out these examples: Votebeat's New Pet Mascot, Somerville's Bike Path Mayor, and Lewis and Clark's New Mascot.
Do you want to host a fun election? It's easy! Just email us.
Everything you need to know about Ireland's presidential election: Yahoo News
Improving Redistricting with Proportional Representation: FairVote
Why America Has the World's Oldest Politicians: Governing
Introducing the Expand Democracy 3: The urgency of confronting political violence and spotlighting the value of democracy-affirming technologies: Expand Democracy
Opinion: Politicians are Polarized. American Voters Not So Much: New York Times
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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