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.
What does instant runoff voting do?
Here we talk a lot about instant runoff voting. It's kind of our thing. But why? Today we're back to our series on the benefits of instant runoff/ranked choice voting, continuing with eliminating zombie votes. Looking for news and events? Scroll down. They're still here.
IRV/RCV Eliminates Zombie Votes
That's right, zombie votes. This little known term is a real problem. When we cast a ballot for a candidate who drops out, we have cast a zombie vote. The candidate moves on, but the vote remains. This can happen with early and absentee voting.
But there's a simple solution: rank your candidates! Since you've ranked them, if your top pick drops out, your vote would automatically transfer to your second choice. That means greater participation from voters and the ability to vote for the person you truly want while still having a backup.
Great events to get plugged in!
Be the Ones Legislative Kick Off: January 13, 11am. This is a joyful, nonpartisan event marking the first day of the 2026 legislative session. We'll have a table and be talking to attendees about the benefits of instant runoff voting. We'll bring our selfie frames. Have you gotten your picture yet?
King Day at the Dome: January 19, 2026. Join us to march in celebration of Dr Martin Luther King, Jr and his legacy. Then we'll talk to attendees about the benefits of instant runoff voting. Details are still developing. RSVP today to stay up to date.
UPDATED!!!! January Strategy Call: January 22, 8:00pm. Join us for this special meeting. We'll be joining a national call with RCV supporters from around the country to talk about the wins of 2025 and what 2026 has to offer. Join us in Columbia, Charleston, or virtually.
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.
Majority Rules Screening: January 30, 7pm. Check out the true story of how changing the way we vote changes everything, updated for the 2024 election. Join us at the UUCC for the viewing followed by a Q&A.
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://www.youtube.com/watch?v=anmrdoj-czk))
PBOT Snowplow Naming Contest: Portland.gov
A Delicious Take on Ranked Choice Voting Lets Chicagoans Elect Best Pizza: City Bureau
Announcing PolitiFact Readers' Choice for the 2025 Lie of the Year: PoliticFact
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,
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