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.
Better Ballot SC in the News
Here we talk a lot about instant runoff voting, but that's not all we do. On January 21, 2026, I testified at the in front of the House Constitutional Laws Subcommittee against closed primaries and party registration because we're here to improve South Carolina ballots, to give voters more choice and more voice, not restrict it.
(https://www.wistv.com/2026/01/22/south-carolina-lawmakers-consider-bills-close-party-primaries/)
Currently, SC's registered voters do not register by party. If they vote in a partisan election, they go to the polls and the clerks will ask if they want a Republican or a Democratic ballot. The voter the goes to the machine and votes on that ballot. We can't pick some races from each ballot, but we can, right there on the spot, pick which primary (Republican or Democrat) we want to vote in. There are other forms of of primaries that are even more open than this, but today we're dealing with the opposite
The Dangers of Closed Primaries
I can understand the argument that Democrats should pick Democrats and`Republicans pick Republicans. Parties are insular institutions. And that's part of the problem. Closed primaries polarize the parties and their voters and are contributing to the problem of the unrepresented majority.
Also, primaries are paid for by taxpayer dollars. If independents are forced to register, many won't. We will have disenfranchised a growing portion of the population - and they still have to pay for it. Independents, just like all of us, pay the taxes that fund these elections.
And the parties already have a solution. It's a solution that is already being used by the smaller parties (Libertarian, Green, Forward, Alliance, etc). They hold a convention at their own expense that allows them to control the rules as they see fit. Libertarians, for instance want "None of the Above" on the ballot and our laws don't allow for that in a primary.
Our hard work seems to have helped stall these bills, but we will stay vigilant and continue to fight against polarization and for proper stewardship of taxpayer dollars. If you would like to help fund our efforts, consider donating today.
2026 IRV/RCV Educational Campaign
Our lobbying day is March 3 and we're here to make sure that you are well equipped to spread the message of instant runoff voting. Our Educational Campaign is for more than just lobbying though. Learn to spread the message to all kinds of people! Click the link above to learn more, or join us at one of the events listed below:
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How to Pitch IRV/RCV to Friends:
- Wednesday February 4, 7pm, Virtual
- RSVP Today
- Get tips and tools to confidently explain Instant Runoff /Ranked Choice Voting to friends and family and grow support for better elections.
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How to Pass Municipal Resolutions in Your Community:
- Thursday February 12, 7pm, Virtual
- RSVP Today
- Turn support into action! Learn how to pass a municipal resolution for Instant Runoff Voting with clear steps and real examples.
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RCV/IRV 101:
- Wednesday February 18, 7pm Virtual
- RSVP Today
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Lobbying Day Trainings:
- Monday February 23 and Thursday February 26, 7pm, virtual
- RSVP Today
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Lobbying Day followed by Food and Fellowship:
- Tuesday March 3, Time: TBD
- RSVP Today
Great events to get plugged in!
Statewide Strategy Call: October 28, 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 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.
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.
(https://www.sightline.org/2026/01/21/ranked-choice-voting-the-utah-way/)
Plus: Poll: 72% of Fort Collins Voters Satisfied with Ranked Choice Voting, 62% Support Expansion to More Elections: FairVote
Runoff Turnout drops 69% in Texas: FairVote
Letter: Don't Close Primaries: Post and Courier
Oscars 2026: How is Ranked Choice Voting used?: FairVote
How Democracy Reform Actually Spreads: The Renovator
"MEGA" Bill Supersizes the Federal Government's Role in Election Administration: Cato Institute
Lt Gov Pamela Evette unveils election integrity plan in bid for GOP nomination for SC Governor: WYFF
Ranked Choice Voting: A Year in Review: 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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