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.

A Special Election, Part 2

Tomorrow early voting starts for the Special Primary Election to replace Lindsey Graham on the November ballot. Early voting is open Wednesday August 5th to Friday August 7th with polls open from 8:30am-5pm. If you either did not vote in the June primaries or if you voted in the Republican primary, you can vote in this election. You can find your closest early voting center here. You can also vote on election day. Polling locations may be different than your usual one. Check your polling location here.

9 candidates are currently on the ballot. 12 filed and one was disqualified because he does not live in the state, one of the constitutional requirements to be a Senator. The other two were disqualified because of a rule passed by the Republican party shortly after the June Primary. All people on the Republican ballot need to have voted in at least 2 of the last 3  Republican primaries. One of the disqualified candidates has filed suit to regain ballot access. That decision has not yet been made.

This is important to note because it is part of a larger strategy from the South Carolina GOP to exert more control of their voters and candidates. This follows the push for closed primaries and party registration that the SCGOP is pursuing. At Better Ballot SC we want voters to have the power. 

If you are able, please cast your vote. Exercise your constitutional power to choose a candidate of your choice.

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!

Statewide Strategy Call: August 25, 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 open up the floor.

Pack the Park. Join BBSC for Fireflies Baseball: Aug 25, 7:05pm. Pack the Park for Nonprofits is a philanthropic initiative hosted by the Columbia Fireflies at Segra Park with the help of Together SC and Central Carolina Community Foundation, offering a unique fundraising opportunity for nonprofits. $5 from every ticket will benefit Better Ballot SC, but you can also hang out with us if you'd like! We'll be in section 112 starting in row D. We'll also attend the above statewide meeting virtually for half an hour. Register if you intend to come.

Intro to IRV/RCV: August 19, 7pm (held monthly on the 3rd Tuesday). 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.

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: every 2nd Thursday of the month, 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://protectdemocracy.org/work/when-maps-dont-determine-electoral-outcomes)

Plus: Watch: 3 Cities Put Ranked Choice Voting on the November Ballot: FairVote via Instagram

Reform runoff system: Post and Courier

Analyzing Washington, DC's Primary Results: Most Voters Ranked 2+ Candidates, and What RCV Tell Us About the Electorate: FairVote

Honolulu Will Vote on Ranked Choice Voting in November: FairVote

Longmont, CO will vote on Ranked Choice Voting in November: FairVote

New Mexico Democrats to pick lieutenant governor nominee using ranked choice voting: Albuquerque Journal (Check out who won: KRWG)

D.C.'s move to ranked choice voting complicates two council races. Could lawmakers change how the city votes? WAMU

Can this man save democrats? Politico

UGA historian says proportional representation could reshape redistricting, Black political influence in Georgia: CBS News

Group urges Congress to adopt proportional representation to end redistricting battles: PBS

DNC could ban ranked choice voting in 2028 - even where voters made it law: Independent Voter News (Ready to fight the ban? Sign the letters)

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,

Executive Director, Better Ballot SC