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.
Early Voting
Early voting in SC starts on October 19, less than two weeks away. No excuse early voting has been a boon for voters. There are many who prefer to vote on Election Day. I used to be one of them. There's something special about everyone going to the polls together, but I have really come around to the convenience and peace of mind. I remember having to wake up extra early to go to the polls before heading to work, wiping the sleep from my eyes while I made my selections. Now I can go at my leisure, when I don't have to worry about work. AND I don't have to worry about missing voting on Election Day itself. I've already voted. Check!
And it seems many people are in agreement with me. Now this year's primary was different because of the mid-decade redistricting push, but 318,602 people took advantage of early voting this June. That's more than double 2024 (120,178) and 2022 (100,450). Only 856,005 were cast. That's 37% of voters. And they didn't even have the option of voting on Saturday!
And that's an odd quirk in the primaries compared to the general. In the general, there's early voting on Saturdays, but not in the primary. Let's make it easier for people to get to the polls with Saturday early primary voting - and the money for our hard working election administrators to make it happen.
Useful links:
🗳️Check your voter registration
☑️Check your absentee ballot (you should have it or it should be in the mail by now)
If you're interested in common sense upgrades to the way that we vote, please support the movement. Consider a monthly donation. They help us budget better.
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: October 27, 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 Pawlenciaga Fashion and Dog Show on October 10, Karaoke and Voter Information at Art Bar on October 14, and Tabling at No Kings in Columbia on October 17.
BBSC Board Meeting: October 16, 4:30pm. This meeting is open to the public. If you would like to speak during the meeting, please reach out to Nicole.
Intro to IRV/RCV: October 21 at 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://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/voting-rights-advocates-regroup-callais-decision-threatens-black-representation)
Plus: What gerrymandering cost voters: Protecting Democracy
and
Democratic Legitimacy: Voting Rights and Proportional Representation: American Bar Association
Most Primaries Didn't Matter This Year: The Washington Sun
ICCSD appoints new school board member: The Daily Iowan
Listen: Applying Porter's Five Forces to Fix U.S Politics: Harvard Business Review
Americans Remain Committed to Democracy While Growing More Critical of How It Is Performing: Kettering Foundation
Monae Johnson questioned vote-counting machines. Running elections changed her mind: Votebeat
Where will ranked choice voting be used in the 2026 elections? FairVote
In Portland's Revised Elections, Endorsements Add Up: Sightline Institute
Watch: Arlington, County VA Council explains why they like ranked choice voting
Curious how Portland educates on ranked choice voting? Check out their tool kit
Voters in 6 states will decide seven ballot measures related to campaign finance in 2026: Ballotpedia News
Municipal Option Bill
The Legislative Session is over. 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
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