Here you will find important updates in the world of instant runoff voting, other electoral reforms, and events to attend that help spread the word of IRV/RCV in SC.

New GOP Senate Nominee

Appointed Senator Darline Graham has won the nomination of the South Carolina Republican party. She will now go to the November general election and work to convince voters that she is the right person for the job.

But this runoff was the 4th election of the summer, with this fall's general election to be the 5th of the year. Voter fatigue is real, not to mention the cost associated with it. Earlier this year, SC Election Commissioner Conway Belangia quoted a special election at $6 million, meaning this runoff cost South Carolinians as much as $3 million. That's not to mention the millions of dollars that were dropped during the runoff alone. Graham actually received so many donations that she had to return some.

We have solutions to these problems. Groups such as American Promise and the Transparent Election Initiative are taking on money in politics. And we here know how instant runoff/ranked choice voting would have eliminated the need for 2 of the 4 elections. Those delayed runoffs are just not as efficient as instant runoffs. Plus, the cost of the runoff disappears!

If you'd like to support our efforts to make elections make more sense, please donate today or take one of the actions in the events section below.

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 your 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: September 22, 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.

Outreach Events: Ready to put those skills to good use? We have several events coming up where you can help spread the word about instant runoff/ranked choice voting. Join us at the Chapin Labor Day Festival on September 7, the Universal Unitarian Fall Festival on September 26, the Blythewood Farmers Market on September 30, and Pawlenciaga Fashion and Dog Show on October 10. 

Intro to IRV/RCV: September 16, 7pm (held monthly on the 3rd Wednesday). 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://fairvote.org/south-carolina-runoff-to-replace-lindsey-graham-is-states-4th-election-in-11-weeks/)

Plus: Commentary: There's a solution to South Carolinia's runoff problem: Post and Courier

Wisconsin picks its nominee for governor, 68,000 votes never counted: FairVote

The DNC needs to pick a lane about nominating presidents - and catch up with what's possible: Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea

Watch: Rob Richie on Ranked Choice Voting: C-span

Manchin calls for change in elections: "There's no competition:" The Hill

An independent just broke through in Alaska - as Republicans try to kill the system that made it possible: Independent Voter News

Post-Callais: here's the fairest was to realize "representation for all:" DemocracySOS

Dan Sullivan v Dan Sullivan: officials confirm challenger will join senator on Alaska midterms ballot: The Guardian

The simple fix to RCV's big waiting game: Expand Democracy

Watch: Pete Buttigeig Explains the Need for Proportional Representation: YouTube

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