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.
Runoff Day...
It's election day...again... In some municipalities a runoff is required when no candidate receives a majority of votes (50%+1 votes) and that happened in spades. From Columbia to Myrtle Beach to Pickens and beyond, voters are returning to the polls today.
These runoffs are costly and usually less voters turnout! That means the decisions of the many are being decided by the few, but everyone has to pay for it! If only there was a better way...
There is!
Instant runoff/ranked choice voting is the best of both worlds. It allows you to rank your candidates in the order that you prefer them. Since we already know how you would vote in the event of a runoff (because you ranked candidates on your first trip to the polls), the runoff is unnecessary. Not only would we get our results sooner, but we'd save all the time and money from not holding a traditional runoff.
We're looking for municipalities to show their support for instant runoff/ranked choice voting. If you would like to learn how to get a municipality near you to do so, fill out this quick form.
Great events to get plugged in!
Intro to IRV/RCV: Tomorrow, 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.
Nov/Dec Strategy Call: December 2, 6:30pm. Our special holiday meeting will combine November and December! We'll have food, fun, and strategy! Join us to recap the month and discuss the future, locally. Join us in Columbia, Charleston, or virtually. We'll discuss the state of the movement and ways to expand our reach across SC. Everyone will meet on the call and have a 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: 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.
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,TikTok, and YouTube
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.
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.
(https://fairvote.org/women-across-the-country-win-with-ranked-choice-voting-in-2025-elections/)
Plus: Greenbelt, Maryland, could be the next municipality to adopt ranked-choice voting: Ballotpedia News
Election Day 2025: Ranked Choice Voting in Action: FairVote
Watch: How to End the Gerrymandering Wars: FairVote
Defeated in California, GOP megadonor calls for nationwide "commitment to fair and impartial maps:" Politico
2025 Election Roundup: FairVote
Election Day 2025: Ranked Choice Voting points the way to a better national politics: Democracy SOS
How New York could have avoided a nasty mayoral election: Salon
Fusion voting, RCV for overseas/military voters, and timely links: Expand Democracy
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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