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.

Runoffs!

Ready to head to the polls again? The Republicans have statewide, congressional, and some State House races that have gone to a runoff. Democrats have them in congressional district 1 and 2.

Why do we have runoffs? Our primaries require a majority winner, which is good! Unfortunately, the current system requires that we go back in two weeks to cast our votes to ensure that majority winner. Generally, the turnout drops by about half. Many candidates win their runoffs with less votes than they got in the original race - and that's just not right.

Enter Instant Runoff Voting! Since you rank your candidates in the order that you prefer them, we already know who you would have voted for in the primary. Saves the time and money associated with runoffs while ensuring majority support. Plus, more people participate in the final result! Our overseas military and absentee voters already vote this way.

To continue our mission to expand instant runoff (aka ranked choice voting) in South Carolina, please donate today. Your donations help us continue our mission and improve the stability and longevity of the organization.

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.

Ever wanted to develop RCV memes? We'd love you ideas! Send 'em our way! Let's get creative! This easy to use form has everything you need.

Great events to get plugged in!

Tabling at the Lexington County Peach Festival: July 4, 2026. This is a great opportunity to talk to people in our more rural areas. Join us to spread the message of more choice and more voice 

Intro to IRV/RCV: June 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: June 23, 6:30pm. Our monthly meetings 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.

Letter to the Editor Training: every 4th Tuesday 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.

(https://fairvote.org/lockout-fears-in-california-governor-primary-have-a-fix/)

Plus: Ranked Choice Voting is Working in Maine. It can work elsewhere too: Salon

Multi-Member Districts: How to Fix the Gerrymandering Problem: The Cato Institute

Watch: Maine Voters Talk About Ranked Choice Voting: FairVote

Maine Let Independents In - Than Made candidates Earn a Majority: Independent Voter News

Editorial: Charleston School Board members need broader support than the Legislature requires: Post and Courier

Morning Digest: The GOP hates ranked-choice voting. They'll need it in Maine anyway: The Downballot

Why don't more independents run for office? FairVote

Victory for D.C. Voters: Ranked Choice Voting, Semi-Open Primaries Upheld in the District: Campaign Legal Center

Municipal Option Bill

The Legislative Session is essentially over (except for the budget). This bill is expected to be reintroduced next session. It would give municipalities more choice and more voice in their elections.

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.

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