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 runoffs. Looking for news and events? Scroll down. They're still here.
Eliminating the Need for Costly, Low Turnout Runoffs
Runoffs happen in some elections in South Carolina when a candidate in a race does not reach 50% + 1 of the vote (a majority). To learn more about the difference between majority-runoff elections and plurality elections, check out our video on it. A little more than 100 municipalities in SC use the majority-runoff system and it's also used for the partisan primaries. But why do we want to eliminate them?
Two reason: voter turnout and cost. Voter turnout usually drops by about half in the runoffs, meaning half the people who voted in the original election return to cast their votes in the runoff. This skews the results so that the decisions of the many are being decided by the few, and everyone has to pay for it. Which leads us to...
Runoffs cost money because our hard working election officials have to run a second election. We believe in being good stewards of taxpayer money and there is no good reason to hold runoffs when there's a better alternative.
Instant runoff voting eliminates the need for runoffs because voters have ranked their candidates. Since voters have ranked them, we already know how they would vote in the event of a runoff. Saves time, saves money. IRV is a common sense solution. Plus, it reduced polarization, increases representation, decreases mudslinging, and eliminates the spoiler effect.
Great events to get plugged in!
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.
Veterans for All Voters hosts the Future Caucus: January 21, 5:30pm. This Happy Hour Meet and Greet will feature State Senator Tedder and possibly other members of the South Carolina Future Caucus. This gathering is open to the public. All South Carolina veterans and military supporters are invited to attend. Light refreshments and good conversation will be available.
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.
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://fairvote.org/young-voters-are-ready-for-ranked-choice-voting/)
Portland Snow Plow Update: Rank your plows!
Ranked choice voting will be possible in Falls Church in 2027: ARLNow
How Many Votes Does It Take to Get an Oscar Nomination in 2026?: The Wrap
Watch: Fixing Incentives with Ranked Choice Voting: FairVote
Watch: How Proportional Representation Could End Gerrymandering: Protect Democracy
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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