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.

IRV for less serious things...

Today starts our newest series about the ways that instant runoff/ranked choice voting has been used for choices that are different than official government elections. Prepare yourself for a wide range of stories that span many interests, because at it's core, instant runoff voting is just a good way to determine who the majority supports. First up, we have a story that is near and dear to my heart: snow plows.

Portland, Oregon launched their first crowd sourced snow plow contest last year. People were encouraged to submit their ideas and they did not hold back. Puns and play on words abounded! Then they ranked the names using ranked choice voting. Portlanders choce names such as "The Big Leplowski" and "Plowy McPlowface."

The program was such a success that they did it again and recently released the results. My personal favorite was "A Sleetcar named Desire." Check out the other winners here.

Do you have a fun way that you've used instant runoff voting in your life? Let us know by emailing us.

Also, an update on closed primaries

Weston Newton, Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, and Jay Jordan, Vice Chair of the House Judiciary, co-authored an op-ed that seems to have paused any movement on closing primaries this session. In their joint piece, they call for more information and state that Republicans prefer their current method of open primaries. However, they do call for a question to be added to the Republican primary ballot about it. We'll keep you updated as we learn more. And if you plan to vote in the Republican primary, please vote against closing primaries.

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:

• RCV/IRV 101:
  • Wednesday February 18, 7pm Virtual
  • RSVP Today

• Lobbying Day Trainings:
  • Monday February 23 and Thursday February 26, 7pm, virtual
  • RSVP Today

• 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.

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.

(https://thefulcrum.us/elections/stop-fighting-start-fixing-rebuild-democracy)

Plus: GOP Senator Lisa Murkowski comes out against Trump's election bill, with a warning to her party: NBC News

Hilton Head Waiter, Matt Fulmer, Launches Candidacy for South Carolina Congressional District One: Holy City Sinner

Maine lawmakers pass bill to make ranked choice voting statewide model for elections: WGME13

"We should take over the voting...Nationalize the Voting:" Cato Institute

11 Ways the MEGA Act in Congress Tries to Control How You Vote: Independent Voter News

When Voting gets Hard, Women Pay First: The Stake of the SAVE Act: Ms Magazine

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,

President, Better Ballot SC