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're back to our series on the benefits of instant runoff/ranked choice voting, continuing with increased representation. Looking for news and events? Scroll down. They're still here.
IRV/RCV Increases Representation
People generally agree that hearing from a wide range of voices is good for our communities and our democracy, but our elected officials do not necessarily reflect that agreement. In SC, our elected officials are generally white and overwhelmingly male. It's a good thing to have people of those demographics in power, but not only them.
Diverse people bring diverse views and fair competition of ideas. The best ideas can float to the top and are more likely to help everyone rather than a small group of people.
Focusing on women for a moment, in 2024 only 30% of our municipal elected officials were women (municipalities over 10K). Worse, only 13.5% of our general assembly are women. In municipalities that use IRV/RCV, that number climbs to 52% and 42% for state legislatures that use it. Those numbers are dramatic. But why?
IRV/RCV eliminates vote splitting so when two members of the same demographic run, their votes aren't split. The ranking allows voters to vote for the candidates they really want instead of the lesser of two evils. Additionally, women are generally less likely to be combative and go on the attack, which the IRV/RCV system favors.
It not only increases representation, it benefit minority voters. According to this report, voters of color rank more candidates and take more advantage of the ranked ballot. It also increases voter participation which can have a diversifying effect.
Great events to get plugged in!
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.
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.
Majority Rules Screening: January 30, 7pm. Check out the true story of how changing the way we vote changes everything, updated for the 2024 election. Join us at the UUCC for the viewing followed by a Q&A.
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.
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.
Plus: How a 1940 electoral system reform in Cambridge made its 2025 housing breakthrough possible: CommonWealth Beacon
Costly runoff elections send voters back to the polls in Lexington County: Lexington Chronicle
How Better Ballot Design and Voter Education Improved
Oakland’s Ranked-Choice Voting Elections: Election Center (starts on page 29 of the report)
Watch: Thanksgiving Sides: FairVote
DC Board of Elections works to roll out ranked choice voting in 2026 Primary Election: DC News NOW
Wins for Women Offer a Blueprint for the Future: The Fulcrum
Easthampton leaders advocate for ranked choice voting: The Reminder
Ranked-choice voting shows its value in Easthampton election (The Republican Editorials): Mass Live
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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