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Money That Could Be Better Spent
The Costs of Runoffs in South Carolina
Runoffs are costly to South Carolinians and they generally have a much lower voter participation rate than the regular election. Below please find a list of some of the costs municipalities have to bear in order to find majority support for candidates.
This support could be found more efficiently with instant runoff voting.
These costs are in addition to the regular election held two weeks prior.
Municipal Elections
Election Cost of Runoff Charleston $105,000 Isle of Palms $7,000 Megget $5,000 Folly Beach $5,000 Sullivans Island $5,000 Lincolnville $3,000 Columbia $100,000 Easley $15,000 Central $2,900 Pickens $2,700 Simpsonville $4,000 These numbers have been gathered from a variety of sources including the SC Election Commission. For further information, please email us at [email protected]
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Nicole Sanchez published Instant Runoff Voting and Better Ballot SC In the News in About 2025-11-30 22:10:57 -0500
Instant Runoff Voting In the News
June 10, 2026, WRHI, President Nicole Sanchez on Straight Talk with Manning Kimmel, https://www.facebook.com/WRHIRadio/videos/2032080077385650
May 19, 2026, WTLX, "What Voters Should Know Heading to the Polls" https://www.wltx.com/video/news/local/vote/what-voters-should-know-heading-to-the-polls/101-19ed4502-e262-49c8-a993-4ce054b5e70f
May 17, 2026, Vice President Marcurius Byrd on OnPoint with Cynthia Hardy: https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?ref=watch_permalink&v=1539678604394425
April 15, 2026, Spectrum News, "Second Chance Day at the Statehouse brings awareness to reentry of the formerly incarcerated" https://mynews13.com/fl/orlando/news/2026/04/15/formerly-incarcerated-push-for-second-chance-
“A lot of people that have been in the system don't realize that once they have served their time they can actually re-register to vote and participate in elections,” said Nicole Sanchez, president of Better Ballot SC.
March 31, 2026, The State, "Nicole Sanchez Advocates for instant run-off voting" https://www.thestate.com/news/politics-government/election/article315253860.html
Nicole Sanchez speaks at a No Kings rally about instant run-off voting. She says that the process can save money and increase voter turnout. Watch for more.
March 27, 2026, The State, "'No Kings' protesters at SC State House on Saturday aim for biggest crowds yet" https://www.thestate.com/news/politics-government/article315181904.html
“I’m really excited for the opportunity to educate voters about the different candidates who are going to be speaking, because the more they know, the better decisions they can make,” said Nicole Sanchez, president of Better Ballot SC, one of the organizations sponsoring Saturday’s event. Sanchez said her organization reached out to all the state’s parties to invite as many candidates as they could for the event.
Better Ballot is also pushing for a bill in the Legislature this year that would introduce instant runoff voting for local elections in South Carolina for the first time. The bill would allow voters to rank their preferred candidates on the ballot, moving votes to a voter’s second preference as candidates are eliminated, and determining a winner without the need for a separate, costly runoff election between the top candidates.'
“Hopefully in the future we would have it in more than just municipalities,” Sanchez said. “In primaries, we have the same problem. With instant runoff, you can find a majority winner without the expense of a low-turnout runoff, where we know voter participation drops by about half.”
January 21, 2026, WIS10, "South Carolina lawmakers consider bills to close primaries" https://www.wistv.com/2026/01/22/south-carolina-lawmakers-consider-bills-close-party-primaries/
November 18,2025, Lexington County Chronicle, "Costly runoff elections send voters back to the polls in Lexington County" https://www.lexingtonchronicle.com/stories/costly-runoff-elections-send-voters-back-to-the-polls-in-lexington-county,155918
October 10, 2025, The State, "Meet the three candidates running to Columbia's mayor for the next 4 years" https://www.thestate.com/opinion/article312358989.html
April 2, 2025, The Sumter Item, "Instant runoff voting could help smaller towns avoid costly runoff elections" https://www.theitem.com/stories/instant-runoff-voting-could-help-smaller-towns-avoid-costly-runoff-elections,427793
February 26, 2025, WACH, "Irmo passes instant runoff voting resolution" https://wach.com/news/local/irmo-passes-instant-runoff-voting-resolution
February 26, 2025, Lexington County Chronicle, "Irmo pushes for instant runoff voting" https://www.lexingtonchronicle.com/stories/irmo-pushes-for-instant-runoff-voting,119158
October 31, 2024, ABC15 News, "Ranked choice voting sparks debate in the Carolinas" https://wpde.com/news/local/gallery/ranked-choice-voting-sparks-debate-south-north-carolina-oregon-nevada-runoff-election-republican-democrat-2024-general-election-kamala-harris-tim-walz-donald-trump-jd-vance?photo=1
February 7, 2024, Post and Courier, "Four faces of South Carolina: Frustration drives Midlands voters further right" https://www.postandcourier.com/politics/midlands-south-carolina-conservative-presidential-2024-politics/article_f3acf3b2-5177-11ee-a804-8fbbd90c9159.html/
January 26, 2024, Post and Courier, "Conservative groups bash effort to allow ranked-choice voting" https://www.postandcourier.com/politics/ranked-choice-south-carolina-voting-elections/article_bc4c6f50-bb9f-11ee-8451-e39f1f70e664.html
January 23, 2024, ABC4News, "Organizations unite for rally in support of instant runoff voting" https://abcnews4.com/newsletter-daily/organizations-unite-for-rally-in-support-of-instant-runoff-voting
December 14, 2023, The Post and Courier, "Outgoing Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg to urge SC to support a new way to vote" https://www.postandcourier.com/politics/charleston-mayor-ranked-choice/article_31d0620c-9abe-11ee-85da-23ebdfc581d4.html
December 14, 2023, Live 5 WCSC, "Video: Organizations advocate for alternate election system in Charleston" https://www.live5news.com/video/2023/12/14/video-organizations-advocate-alternate-election-system-charleston-2/
December 14, 2023, ABCNews 4, "Instant runoff voting bill proposed to 'efficiently' choose local leaders" https://abcnews4.com/news/local/john-tecklenburg-instant-runoff-voting-bill-proposed-to-efficiently-choose-local-leaders-south-carolina-poltical-news-wciv-2023#
December 14, 2023, Better Ballot SC Live Stream, "Big Announcement, featuring BBSC, South Caroluna Small Business Chamber of Commerce, League of Women Voters of SC, and Veterans for All Voters" https://fb.watch/oZjBJSRnZp/
November 21, 2024, ABC15 News, "Myrtle Beach voters head back to the polls, but SC 'ranked-choice' bill avoids runoffs altogether" https://wpde.com/news/local/myrtle-beach-voters-ranked-choice-voting-avoid-runoffs-instant-runoff-majority-threshold-second-choice-ranking-candidates-election-day-declare-immediate-winner-fairvote-south-carolina-bill-november-2023
September 5, 2023, ABC News4 & The Clinton Chronicle, "Nikki Haley emerges as frontrunner in South Carolina GOP ranked-choice presidential primary poll" https://abcnews4.com/news/local/nikki-haley-emerges-as-frontrunner-in-south-carolina-gop-ranked-choice-presidential-primary-poll-politics-wciv https://myclintonnews.com/stories/presidential-politics-nikki-haley-emerges-as-frontrunner-in-south-carolina-gop-ranked-choice,43188
July 31, 2023, News19, "Ranked choice voting polls launched in SC" https://www.wltx.com/video/news/local/vote/ranked-choice-voting-polls-launched-in-sc/101-39724cb3-d39f-4d92-9896-92472e92093f
January 23, 2023, ABC25 Columbia, "Ranked Choice Voting Rally at Statehouse" https://www.abccolumbia.com/2023/01/23/ranked-choice-voting-rally-at-state-house/
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Nicole Sanchez published Better Ballot Bulletin: September 15, 2023 in Better Ballot Bulletin 2023-09-24 11:53:59 -0400
Better Ballot Bulletin: September 15, 2023
Welcome to the Better Ballot Bulletin. 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.
IRV Presidential Primary Polls
Get your votes in now to vote for your favorite candidates!
September Republican Primary Poll
September Democratic Primary Poll
Current winners:
Nikki Haley
Joe Biden
Share, SHARE, SHARE these polls! The more South Carolinians who vote in them the better! These polls will close at the end of September and we'll be launching a new one every month until the primaries are over.
This is a fantastic way to educate our fellow South Carolinians about instant runoff voting (aka ranked choice voting). Share, SHARE, SHARE!!!
News in Instant Runoff Voting
Nikki Haley emerges as frontrunner in South Carolina GOP ranked-choice presidential poll: ABCNews4 The Clinton Chronicle
Special election primary for vacant SC Senate seat goes to runoff: The State
Ranked CHoice Voting Straw Polls in Iowa and South Carolina Offer Insight on 2024 Primaries: FairVote
Deliberative Democracy Poll: 59% of voters support ranked choice voting for state elections: FairVote
Better Ballot SC Events
Have you heard what's happening in Charleston and N. Charleston?
The Charleston mayoral election has 6 candidates and will likely go to a runoff. The North Charleston mayoral election has 10 candidates and the winner will almost certainly have significantly less than 50% of the vote.
This is a great opportunity to talk up instant runoff voting and we're mobilizing. Stay tuned for more interesting events around these elections. If you would like to learn more, email us at [email protected]
IRV Lunch and Learn: Sept 26. Join Vice President of Better Ballot SC Marcurius Byrd & Head of the Greenville County Elections Office Conway Belangia at the September 26th Lunch and Learn. These sessions are free and open to the public as a part of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Furman University. Herring Center for Lifelong Learning.
Future Events to Get Excited About
Quarterly Board Meeting: Oct 19, 6pm. Join us at our quarterly board meeting where we'll discuss regular business. If you would like to contribute, please email us at [email protected].
Statewide Strategy Call: Oct 25, 7pm. Join us to recap the quarter and discuss the future. We have lots coming up. RSVP today. We're going *hybrid* again! Location TBD
Looking to get involved before then? Contact us at [email protected]
Want to be more connected? Join our Slack channel!
H.4022
Introduced by Representatives Neal Collins (R-5) and Dr Jermaine Johnson (D-70)
This bill will give municipalities the option of using instant runoff voting in elections. The regular 2023 legislative is over, but that does NOT mean the effort is. We will be doubling our efforts to find more supporters. We need to gather more support so that we can push it even further next session!
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 of Support
We have the support of the Municipal Association of South Carolina, but we want individual municipalities to show their support of this great electoral reform.
When the elected officials who will be most affected by this new option are supportive, it will go a long way to show the legislature that this should be passed.
Business Support
The South Carolina Small Business Chamber of Commerce has joined our coalition in support of instant runoff voting/ranked choice voting.
They are actively looking for businesses to sign on and show their support. If you are a business owner or know one, please sign the petition.
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!
Did you know that there are Better Ballot SC Facebook groups for your county? Join yours today to help build the movement in your backyard
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
President, BetterBallotSC
https://www.betterballotsc.org/
BetterBallotSC · SC 29420, United States
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Nicole Sanchez published Better Ballot Bulletin: August 15, 2023 in Better Ballot Bulletin 2023-08-15 10:21:00 -0400
Better Ballot Bulletin: August 15, 2023
Welcome to the Better Ballot Bulletin. 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.
IRV Presidential Primary Polls
We're half way through our first month of our Republican Primary and Democratic Primary Polls!
Our winners so far:
Nikki Haley
Marianne Williamson
Share, SHARE, SHARE these polls! The more South Carolinians who vote in them the better! The polls will close at the end of August and we'll be launching a new one every month until the primaries are over.
This is a fantastic way to educate our fellow South Carolinians about instant runoff voting (aka ranked choice voting). Share, SHARE, SHARE!!!
Plus, you can still Rank Your Sauce
News in Instant Runoff Voting
Commentary: Ranked-choice primary would increase odds of Haley or Scott win: Post and Courier
Editorial: When fewer candidates actually gives voters a clearer choice: Post and Courier
Sen Lisa Murkowski: Alaska's Final Four System Gives Voters Real Choice: Independent Voter Network
Ranked Choice Voting May Help Conservatives: The John Fredericks Show
New National Deliberative Poll Shows Bipartisan Support for Polarizing Issues Affecting American Democracy: Stanford University
Other News
Commentary: SC special-election rules increase burnout, cost. Here's an easy fix: Post and Courier
Better Ballot SC Events
Pitch Training: Election Edition, Aug 29: There's a special election in North Charleston and it's a great way to find IRV supporters. Learn how to talk about this election at the canvass or with your neighbors.
Canvassing at the Polls with BBSC, Sept 5: With three Democratic candidates, we'll likely have a runoff! Talk this up with voters as they exit the polls.
Future Events to Get Excited About
IRV Lunch and Learn: Sept 26. Join President of Better Ballot SC Nicole Sanchez & Head of the Greenville County Elections Office Conway Belangia at the September 26th Lunch and Learn. These sessions are free and open to the public as a part of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Furman University. Herring Center for Lifelong Learning.
Quarterly Board Meeting: Oct 19, 6pm. Join us at our quarterly board meeting where we'll discuss regular business. If you would like to contribute, please email us at [email protected].
Statewide Strategy Call: Oct 25, 7pm. Join us to recap the quarter and discuss the future. We have lots coming up. RSVP today. We're going *hybrid* again! Location TBD
Looking to get involved before then? Contact us at [email protected]
Want to be more connected? Join our Slack channel!
H.4022
Introduced by Representatives Neal Collins (R-5) and Dr Jermaine Johnson (D-70)
This bill will give municipalities the option of using instant runoff voting in elections. The regular 2023 legislative is over, but that does NOT mean the effort is. We will be doubling our efforts to find more supporters. We need to gather more support so that we can push it even further next session!
Summer Campaign
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 of Support
We have the support of the Municipal Association of South Carolina, but we want individual municipalities to show their support of this great electoral reform.
When the elected officials who will be most affected by this new option are supportive, it will go a long way to show the legislature that this should be passed.
Business Support
The South Carolina Small Business Chamber of Commerce has joined our coalition in support of instant runoff voting/ranked choice voting.
They are actively looking for businesses to sign on and show their support. If you are a business owner or know one, please sign the petition.
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!
Did you know that there are Better Ballot SC Facebook groups for your county? Join yours today to help build the movement in your backyard
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
President, BetterBallotSC
https://www.betterballotsc.org/ BetterBallotSC · SC 29420, United States
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IRV/RCV Polls
The best way to learn is by doing and here is a great way to see just how easy it is to vote using instant runoff voting.
SPLIT
To learn more about this great electoral reform, visit our Why IRV page
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Business Petition
Instant Runoff Voting/Ranked choice votingA voting system that gives power to everyday people and small businesses
Businesses support instant runoff voting for the same reasons as many citizens:
We all want more voice and more choice at the ballot box.
We all want candidates to focus on their positive vision for their constituents and not the supposed fire and brimstone that their opponents will bring.
To learn more, visit our Why IRV? page.
Already convinced? Sign the Business Petition
Find out how you can help by Getting Involved
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Community Support
Click the links below to see the many letters to the editor and opinion pieces that IRV supporters have had published in local newspapers
Letter to the Editor: The Post and Courier
June 19, 2026, "Revise Voting Method" https://www.postandcourier.com/opinion/letters_to_editor/letters-road-safety-asap-act-voting-method/article_b093c7d7-8e5d-4cea-983b-ab744943f97e.html
"South Carolina should adopt ranked-choice voting, which eliminates runoffs. Alaska does it, and it is used by S.C. military members serving overseas."
Editorial: The Post and Courier
June 13, 2026, "Charleston School Board members need broader support then the Legislature requires" https://www.postandcourier.com/opinion/editorials/charleston-county-school-board-elections-turnout/article_43037915-479e-40d5-bbcd-f9431cbfbc75.html
"Either way, the Charleston County School Board's newest member would have been sworn in with a much broader base of support. It's an oversight lawmakers should fix, either by requiring runoffs or by allowing an instant runoff voting method, which also is referred to as ranked choice."
Editorial: The Post and Courier
May 30, 2026, "After wisely eliminating 2 partisan elections, SC Legislature needs to end more" https://www.postandcourier.com/opinion/editorials/sc-partisan-elections-cities-legislature/article_8ca5a5d2-b8d6-4e9b-a49b-edae6f768f50.html
"The Legislature requires the top two vote-getters in the first round of partisan elections to go through a runoff if no candidate receives a majority of the vote. This actually makes all the sense in the world — although it would make more sense if we used instant-runoff voting — whether the election is partisan or not."
Opinion: FitsNews
May 23, 2026, "Gerrymandering is Autocracy by Another Name" https://www.fitsnews.com/2026/05/23/fitsforum-gerrymandering-is-autocracy-by-another-name/
"By embracing proportional representation, we can ensure that our maps reflect our actual communities, not our politicians’ anxieties. It is time to start fixing the system itself. If we want a government that is truly of, by, and for the people, we must stop drawing lines that divide us and start building a system where every single vote actually matters."
Editorial: The Post and Courier
February 26, 2026, "Candidates deserve spots on SC ballots; parties don't" https://www.postandcourier.com/opinion/editorials/sc-republican-party-close-primaries-pure/article_1c557c35-49a6-463c-87cf-dbf0faaf52cf.html
Letter: Upstate Today
February 21, 2026, "A win for everyone" https://upstatetoday.com/opinion/a-win-for-everyone/article_f665da48-9031-4887-9ebe-b4770b6bd6a4.html and https://www.postandcourier.com/opinion/letters_to_editor/letters-raise-scholarship-instant-runoff-voting-american-dream/article_c11f902c-f440-48cc-be09-810b219bc3d9.html
Letter: The Post and Courier
January 30 2026, "Don't Close Primaries" https://www.postandcourier.com/opinion/letters_to_editor/letters-ten-commandments-closed-primaries-estate-planning-sign/article_9c10e228-9ada-4cc3-9c57-e46cd1739bfc.html
Opinion: The Post and Courier
May 30, 2025, "Editorial: North Charleston elections should usher in further changes" https://www.postandcourier.com/opinion/editorials/north-charleston-city-council-elections/article_d29934f8-1ea7-4ab7-9697-68a4f77a4f4b.html
Letters: The Post and Courier
January 28, 2024, "Improve SC Politics" https://www.postandcourier.com/opinion/letters_to_editor/opinions-letters-improve-politics-state-bad-planning/article_21fe1128-d44f-11ef-b290-7343359ca498.html
Opinion: The Daniel Island News
August 7, 2024, "Instant Runoff Voting Can Change Elections for the Better" https://www.thedanielislandnews.com/opinions/instant-runoff-voting-can-change-elections-better
Commentary: The Post and Courier
July 18, 2024, "Ranked-choice voting, open primaries can help bring civility back to politics" https://www.postandcourier.com/opinion/commentary/ranked-choice-voting-open-primaries-divisive-political-rhetoric/article_c9ef90dc-43ae-11ef-8be0-ffe9cd6dbf97.html
Editorial: The Post and Courier
June 29, 2024, "Tuesday's runoffs underscores a need for instant-runoff voting" https://www.postandcourier.com/opinion/editorials/instant-runoff-would-up-sc-voter-participation/article_b822f848-3400-11ef-99f3-abd63122a7f9.html
Letter: The State
June 14, 2024, "A move to instant runoff voting would reduce costs and end the state's "archaic" system" https://www.thestate.com/opinion/letters-to-the-editor/article289272745.html
Editorial: The Post and Courier
June 13, 2024, "Trusting the mail could cost you your vote in June 25 SC primary runoff" https://www.postandcourier.com/opinion/editorials/slow-mail-threatens-sc-runoff-ballots/article_30c085f2-21ca-11ef-a2b9-179972a5b416.html
Opinion: The State
June 6, 2024, "Four election reforms that would expand voter choice and chip away at incumbency" https://www.thestate.com/opinion/article288999169.html
Editorial: The Post and Courier
January 15, 2024, "SC's military and overseas voters get this option. Why don't the rest of us?" https://www.postandcourier.com/opinion/editorials/sc-overseas-military-voters-use-instant-runoff/article_aaf79aaa-b0ea-11ee-9b40-1f8f8597b1bc.html
Letter to the Editor: The Post and Courier
January 14, 2024, "South Carolina should try ranked-choice voting" https://www.postandcourier.com/opinion/letters_to_editor/south-carolina-ranked-choice-voting/article_b008a448-a9b1-11ee-9340-43b25b31fdb0.html
Letter to the Editor: The Post and Courier
December 20, 2023, "Ranked-choice voting can transform politics" https://www.postandcourier.com/opinion/letters_to_editor/ranked-choice-voting-can-transform-politics-in-charleston/article_c39e4f56-8ed3-11ee-90b7-6f507f13ba0b.html
Editorial: The Post and Courier
December 16, 2023, "Charleston should back efforts to allow ranked-choice voting" https://www.postandcourier.com/opinion/editorials/editorial-charleston-should-back-effort-to-allow-ranked-choice-voting/article_fe984376-9a88-11ee-be6e-afef89f316ef.html
Editorial: The Post and Courier
December 1, 2023, "Local elections went fairly well. This change would improve them" https://www.postandcourier.com/opinion/editorials/editorial-local-elections-went-fairly-well-this-change-would-improve-them/article_0a9fc300-8afe-11ee-b676-7bac42a95dc8.html
Editorial: The Post and Courier
November 25, 2023, "A change North Charleston needs to make" https://www.postandcourier.com/opinion/editorials/editorial-a-change-north-charleston-needs-to-make/article_66447efa-8971-11ee-af14-8bb93b3cdc9f.html
Editorial: The Post and Courier
November 13, 2023, "North Charleston averted an electoral disaster, or did it?" https://www.postandcourier.com/opinion/editorials/editorial-north-charleston-averted-an-electoral-disaster-or-did-it/article_30132ce0-7e73-11ee-9d15-fb9d2fcd5b7b.html
Our View: Charleston City Paper
November 10, 2023, "Elections show need for new voting process" https://charlestoncitypaper.com/2023/11/10/our-view-elections-show-need-for-new-voting-process/
Opinion: The Post and Courier
August 19, 2023, "Haley-Scott-Youngkin argument should prompt change in SC primary rules" https://www.postandcourier.com/opinion/editorials/editorial-haley-scott-youngkin-argument-should-prompt-change-in-sc-primary-rules/article_0e61aac0-3bae-11ee-8070-3f7efae1ed7e.html
My Turn: The Statehouse Report
August 18, 2023, "Instant runoff voting could fix broken election system" https://www.statehousereport.com/2023/08/18/my-turn-instant-runoff-voting-could-fix-broken-election-system/
Commentary: The Post and Courier
August 15, 2023, "Ranked-choice primary would increase odds of Haley or Scott win" https://www.postandcourier.com/opinion/commentary/commentary-ranked-choice-primary-would-increase-odds-of-haley-or-scott-win/article_4311ecb0-3971-11ee-9406-b3e8a9caf425.html
Opinion: The Post and Courier
August 4, 2023, "When fewer candidates actually give voters a clearer choice" https://www.postandcourier.com/opinion/editorials/editorial-when-fewer-candidates-actually-gives-voters-a-clearer-choice/article_5d98b52a-2fb5-11ee-a54d-0f1c81068dad.html
Letter to the Editor: The Post and Courier
June 8, 2023, "Ranked choice voting would force candidates to campaign in all states" https://www.postandcourier.com/opinion/letters_to_editor/letters-ranked-choice-voting-would-force-candidates-to-campaign-in-all-states/article_189c6ff6-f41a-11ed-be0e-57383319132d.html
Opinion: The Post and Courier
April 17, 2023, "SC House has time to fix small election glitch this year, maybe a larger one too" https://www.postandcourier.com/opinion/editorials/editorial-sc-house-has-time-to-fix-small-election-glitch-this-year-maybe-larger-one/article_1129bb6a-dd2d-11ed-ba81-7f3cf520b800.html
Opinion: The Post and Courier
April 15, 2023, "North Charleston must fix its flawed city elections while it still can" https://www.postandcourier.com/opinion/editorials/editorial-north-charleston-must-fix-its-flawed-city-elections-while-it-still-can/article_c1f03680-d9fa-11ed-9a07-5f27c39d8264.html
Letter to the Editor: The Post and Courier
Mar 21, 2023, "Support instant runoff for municipal elections in SC" https://www.postandcourier.com/opinion/letters_to_editor/letters-support-instant-runoff-for-municipal-elections-in-sc/article_598a7ea0-b940-11ed-97bf-dbf95e736f20.html
Letter to the Editor: The Sun News
Mar 14, 2023, "Simplify Elections" https://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/opinion/letters-to-the-editor/article272982180.html
Letter to the Editor: The Times and Democrat
Mar 9, 2023, "Ranked voting vs runoff" https://thetandd.com/opinion/letters-to-the-editor/article_0655db9d-6e02-5c18-bc91-f1990d41a902.html
Opinion: Post and Courier
Feb 25, 2023, "A 13% salary increase? North Charleston's political plan is ill conceived" https://www.postandcourier.com/opinion/editorials/editorial-a-13-salary-increase-north-charlestons-political-pay-plan-is-ill-considered/article_517a3410-b2ee-11ed-94bc-f3bdf56f9041.html
Our View: Charleston City Paper
Feb 1, 2023, "Defend Democracy Now, More Than Ever" https://charlestoncitypaper.com/2023/02/01/our-view-defend-democracy-now-more-than-ever/
Letter to the Editor: The State
Jan 22, 2023, "Letter: Support RCV" https://www.thestate.com/article271404912.html
Commentary: Post and Courier
Jan 22, 2023, "Ranked choice voting means more voices and more choices for South Carolinians" https://www.postandcourier.com/opinion/commentary/commentary-ranked-choice-voting-means-more-voices-choices-for-south-carolinians/article_eb142834-9821-11ed-bcc9-bf2880c525a0.html
Opinion: Post and Courier
Nov 19, 2022, "Scoppe: Ranked-choice voting just keeps growing. It’s time for SC to expand its use here" https://www.postandcourier.com/opinion/commentary/scoppe-ranked-choice-voting-just-keeps-growing-its-time-for-sc-to-expand-its-use/article_674bb5e6-6548-11ed-8f44-17fa572bad58.html
Letter to the Editor: Post and Courier
Nov 18, 2022, "Ranked Choice" https://www.postandcourier.com/opinion/letters_to_editor/letters-250-committees-research-revolutionary-war-in-sc/article_3008f0c6-4ef0-11ed-b062-af32c4ad8630.html This article won the Golden Pen Award: https://www.postandcourier.com/letter-on-ranked-choice-voting-wins-golden-pen-for-november/article_7d3e13bc-7b1e-11ed-882e-f77cad6b91e5.html
Opinion: Post and Courier
August 14, 2022, "An important reminder of how elections work and how SCs could work better" https://www.postandcourier.com/opinion/editorials/editorial-an-important-reminder-of-how-elections-work-and-how-scs-could-work-better/article_70e99370-1750-11ed-8372-1f26839ee521.html
Opinion: The State
February 2022, "Want to change SC politics for the better? Vote incumbents out, Columbia resident urges" https://www.thestate.com/opinion/article258132688.html
Letter to the Editor: Greenville News
October 30, 2020, "Why South Carolina Lawmakers Should Get Behind Ranked Choice Voting" https://www.greenvilleonline.com/story/opinion/2021/10/30/letter-congress-should-fund-switch-ranked-choice-voting/8565312002/
Are we missing any? Let us know at [email protected]
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Why Instant Runoff Voting?
Instant runoff voting or IRV (also known as ranked choice voting) is a simple, common sense upgrade to the way that we vote that solves multiple problems
Much of this page is dedicated to single winner ranked choice voting. Many of the benefits overlap, but check out our Fair Representation page to learn more about proportional ranked choice voting.
Why IRV?
Save Time and Money with IRV
- The state of South Carolina spent over $830,000 just in primary runoffs in 2018 and over 1 million dollars in 2022. What a waste! See more wasted money figures here.
- Runoffs occur when no candidate in the race achieves 50% of the vote. Runoffs are most prevalent in primaries, but many places in South Carolina require the candidate to secure at least 50% of the vote. When they do not, a runoff election is triggered and voters need to return to the polls in two weeks.
- Runoffs generally have a much lower voter turnout compared to regular elections.
- With IRV, voters only need to vote once. This saves time and money. Plus, it ensures that more than 50% of the voters have voted for the winner.
- Currently, our overseas military and absentee voters can use an instant runoff ballot.
Encourages Competition
- Everyone loves a good competition: more choices mean that we can more easily find a candidate who represents our will.
- Since voters can rank their choices on a single ballot, we can vote for the best candidate with the best ideas instead of voting strategically. Ranking back up choices increases the likelihood that a candidate you support ultimately wins.
Promotes Majority Support
- Not all South Carolina elections result in a runoff if a candidate secures less than 50% of the vote. That means that we have elected officials for whom the majority of South Carolinians did not vote.
- In 2018 there were 79 races where the winner did not secure majority support
- With IRV, we don't have to go back to the polls to ensure majority support because we rank our candidates all at once. Every winner will have secured majority support.
Discourages Negative Campaigning
- Since voters rank their choices, candidates also want to be voter's second and third choices.
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In non-IRV elections, candidates benefit from mudslinging and attacking their opponent instead of sharing their positive vision and policies with voters. This can lead to increasingly toxic and polarizing campaigns.
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With IRV, candidates also compete for second choice votes from their opponents’ supporters which lessens the incentive to run a negative campaign. In IRV contests, candidates do best when they reach out positively to as many voters as possible, including those supporting their opponents.
Other Benefits
- Reduces polarization
- Encourages greater representation
- Candidates are sometimes pressured to stay out of the race for fear of splitting the vote with another similar candidate. This can be particularly true for candidates from groups under-represented in elected office, such as people of color and women.
- Minimizes strategic voting by eliminating vote splitting and the spoiler effect
How Does It Work
Instant Runoff Voting is a simple upgrade to the way we currently vote.
Right now, when you vote, you pick one candidate. With Instant Runoff Voting, you get to rank candidates in the order that you prefer them: 1st choice, 2nd choice, 3rd choice, and so on. If your first choice can’t win, your vote automatically transfers to your second choice.
If a candidate secures more than 50% of the vote in the first round, then nothing is different and the candidate wins. However, if a candidate does not receive 50% of the vote, the candidate who has secured the fewest votes is eliminated and anyone who voted for that candidate has their vote transferred to their second pick. This process continues until a candidate reached 50%. This ensures that every vote counts and the candidate who won has majority support.
It's that simple. We rank all kinds of things in our lives. We all have favorites and second choices, even third choices. Better Ballot SC wants to upgrade all South Carolinians to this common sense way of voting.
Here's an example of a sample BBQ Ballot:
What Others Are Saying
Cato Institute: Reasons to Like Ranked Choice Voting
FairVote: What Unites Utah Republicans and Democrats? Ranked Choice Voting
Washington Post: How Ranked Choice Voting Saved the Virginia GOP From Itself
Videos on IRV/RCV
Fair Vote has been educating the public about the benefits of Instant Runoff Voting for years. Check out one of their videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wqblOq8BmgM
The Utah Republican Party used IRV in their National Convention. See their explainer video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ie2tyRlj6Bw
Check out this video that talks about voting for the lesser of two evils: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q6pC5IJirrY
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Nicole Sanchez published Better Ballot Bulletin: May 1, 2023 in Better Ballot Bulletin 2023-05-01 14:57:03 -0400
Better Ballot Bulletin: May 1, 2023
Welcome to the Better Ballot Bulletin. Here you will find important updates in the world of instant runoff voting and events to attend that help spread the word of IRV in SC.
H.4022 News
Introduced by Representatives Neal Collins (R-5) and Dr Jermaine Johnson (D-70)
This bill will give municipalities the option of using instant runoff voting in elections. As the legislative session is winding down, the window to pass H.4022 is disappearing, but that does not mean the effort is over.
This year, we had a bill introduced and that is a great achievement. We need to work hard so that when it is reintroduced next year, we will be successful.
Summer Campaign
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. That's why we're having our first Speaking with Elected Officials Training. This training will help walk you through the ins and outs of pitching IRV to elected officials.
Municipal Resolutions of Support
We have the support of the Municipal Association of South Carolina, but we want individual municipalities to show their support of this great electoral reform.
When the elected officials who will be most affected by this new option are supportive, it will go to show the legislature that this should be passed. Unsure how to proceed? Attend out Speaking with Elected Officials Training.
Business Support
The South Carolina Small Business Chamber of Commerce has recently joined our coalition, bringing us to 14 organizations strong!
They are actively looking for businesses to sign on and show their support. If you are a business owner or know one, please sign the petition.
Letter to the Editors are a great way to get the word out. Check out our guide.
News in Instant Runoff Voting
Why Conservatives Shouldn't Fear Ranked Choice Voting: Real Clear Politics
Editorial: North Charleston must fix its flawed city elections while it still can: Post and Courier
Editorial: SC House has time to fix a small election glitch thus year, maybe a larger one too: Post and Courier
Tax Day Blues: Expensive Runoff Could Be Replaced by Ranked Choice Voting: FairVote
Utah Voice of Support: Salt Lake Tribune 4/18 and Salt Lake Tribune 4/19
Former Congressman Adam Kinzinger speaks on campus: The Dartmouth
Better Ballot SC Events
Talking to Elected Officials Training: May 2, 7pm. Speaking to our representatives can be intimidating. This training is designed to walk you through the process. Join us via Zoom.
Quarterly Meeting of the Board: July 19, 7:30pm. We will be conducting usual business. If you are interested in speaking, please email us at [email protected]
Statewide Strategy Call: July 26, 7pm. Join us to recap the quarter and discuss the future. We have lots coming up. RSVP today. We're going *hybrid* again! If you're near Columbia, join us in person. If not, join us via Zoom. Location TBD.
Looking to get involved before then? Contact us at [email protected]
Want to be more connected? Join our Slack channel!
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!
Did you know that there are Better Ballot SC Facebook groups for your county? Join yours today to help build the movement in your backyard
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
President, BetterBallotSC
http://www.betterballotsc.org/ BetterBallotSC · SC 29420, United States
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Nicole Sanchez published Better Ballot Bulletin: April 15, 2023 in Better Ballot Bulletin 2023-04-15 08:16:48 -0400
Better Ballot Bulletin: April 15, 2023
Welcome to the Better Ballot Bulletin. Here you will find important updates in the world of instant runoff voting and events to attend that help spread the word of IRV in SC.
H.4022 News
Introduced by Representatives Neal Collins (R-5) and Dr Jermaine Johnson (D-70)
This bill will give municipalities the option of using instant runoff voting in elections. To move it forward, we still need to convince the leaders of the Judiciary Committee.
We spoke to many legislators on our lobbying day, but we are not guaranteed a hearing...yet. We need to make sure that the leaders of the judiciary know that we mean business. We do that by contacting them.
We're also looking for co-sponsors for the H.4022. If you would like to contact your legislator about this, please email us at [email protected]
We're also launching a campaign to show the legislature that municipalities want IRV! The Municipal Association of SC supports H.4022, but we can do more. Municipalities can pass resolutions of support. We've already started laying the groundwork in some municipalities, but yours could be next! Email us ifor more information at [email protected]
Now is also a great time to write a Letter to the Editor in support of H.4022. Check out our guide.
News in Instant Runoff Voting
Letter: Support instant runoff for municipal elections in SC: Post and Courier
Why Republicans Should Embrace Instant Runoff Voting: Discourse
Instant Runoff Voting: What, Where, Why, Why Not: The Council of State Governments
Better Ballot SC Events
Quarterly Meeting of the Board: April 19, 7pm. We will be conducting usual business and also electing a new member of our Board of Directors. If you are interested in serving on the Board or would like to speak, please email us at [email protected]
Statewide Strategy Call: Apr 26, 7pm. Join us to recap the quarter and discuss the future. We have lots coming up. RSVP today. We're going *hybrid* this time! If you're near Charleston, join us in person. If not, join us via Zoom.
Looking to get involved before then? Contact us at [email protected]
Want to be more connected? Join our Slack channel!
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!
Did you know that there are Better Ballot SC Facebook groups for your county? Join yours today to help build the movement in your backyard
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
President, BetterBallotSC
http://www.betterballotsc.org/ BetterBallotSC · SC 29420, United States
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Nicole Sanchez published Better Ballot Bulletin: March 1, 2023 in Better Ballot Bulletin 2023-03-02 00:31:25 -0500
Better Ballot Bulletin: March 1, 2023
Welcome to the Better Ballot Bulletin. Here you will find important updates in the world of instant runoff voting and events to attend that help spread the word of IRV in SC.
Big News for SC
H.4022
Introduced by Representatives Neal Collins (R-5) and Dr Jermaine Johnson (D-70)
This bill will give municipalities the option of using instant runoff voting in elections. To move it forward, we need to convince the leaders of the Judiciary Committee.
We will be holding our first Lobbying Day next week. There will be trainings to properly prepare us. Join us to make our voices heard at the statehouse!
Now is also a great time to write a Letter to the Editor in support of H.4022. Check out our guide.
News in Instant Runoff Voting
Georgia had a bill introduced too: The Current
Our Laboratories of Democracy Can Improve the Republic: The Ripon Society
Editorial: A 13% salary increase? North Charleston’s political pay plan is ill-considered: Post and Courier
Proportional RCV Gives Voter More Voice, and Candidates of the Choice: FairVote
Snowplow Names Election Results: City of Madison (I'll admit. I was nervous they'd end up with a bunch more Boaty McBoatfaces, but I should have known that IRV would yield better results!)
Better Ballot SC Events
Lobbying Day with BBSC: March 7. We rallied and now we're going to leverage that support. Join us to speak to our legislators.
Lobby Day Trainings: Tonight and March 6. Join veteran lobbyist and former SC House member Anne Peterson to learn the ins and outs of being citizen lobbyists.
Future Events to Get Excited About
Quarterly Meeting of the Board: April 19, 7pm. We will be conducting usual business and also electing a new member of our Board of Directors. If you are interested in serving on the Board or would like to speak, please email us at [email protected]
Statewide Strategy Call: Apr 26, 7pm. Join us to recap the quarter and discuss the future. We have lots coming up. RSVP today. We're going hybrid this time! If you're near Charleston, join us in person. If not, join us via Zoom.
Want to be more connected? Join our Slack channel!
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!
Did you know that there are Better Ballot SC Facebook groups for your county? Join yours today to help build the movement in your backyard
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
President, BetterBallotSC
http://www.betterballotsc.org/ BetterBallotSC · SC 29420, United States
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IRV/RCV Day Rally
Welcome to the IRV/RCV Day Rally at the State House
Hosted by Better Ballot SC
More Voice and More Choice
Program of Events
Introduction
Nicole Sanchez
President of Better Ballot SC
Explanation of Instant Runoff Voting/Ranked Choice Voting and Today's Polls
Nicole Sanchez
Remarks
Danny Morales
Co-Chair of SC State Braver Angels and Co-Chair of Braver Angels Soda City Alliance
Remarks
Joseph Oddo
Four Time Ballot Certified Congressional Candidate and Founder of Numerous Political Advocacy Organizations
Rank Your Ice Cream Results
Nicole Sanchez
Remarks
Kasie Whitener
Vice Chair of the SC Libertarian Party
She will also read a statement from former GA Senate Candidate and current Presidential Candidate Chase Oliver
Remarks
David Whiteman
Member of the SC Green Party and Former Member of the University of South Carolina Political Science Department
Rank Your Favorite Sport to Watch Results
Nicole Sanchez
Remarks
Christopher Himsl
Former Colonel in the United States Army and Current Midlands Leader of Principles First South Carolina
Remarks
Dr. Jermaine Johnson
South Carolina State House Representative, District 70
Rank Your Marvel Super Heroes
Nicole Sanchez
Keynote Speaker
Andrew Yang
Former Presidential Candidate and Current Co-Leader of Forward
Coalition Partners
Special Thanks
All our program participants
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National Advocacy
Contact Your Representatives About These Great Bills
Voters Choice Act
This bill would provide $40 million in grants to support local and state governments to transition to instant runoff voting and cover up to 50% of the cost.
Click here to learn more about this great bill
Click here to contact your representatives about this great reform.
Fair Representation Act
This common sense bill expands instant runoff voting to all Americans and solves the problem of gerrymandering
It establishes multi-member districts for congressional elections
It institutes single transferable vote in these elections (this is instant runoff voting but for elections with multiple candidates)
It creates new requirements for congressional redistricting
Click here to learn more about this great bill
MEGA Act (Make Elections Great Again)
This bill would make elections worse by making it harder for citizens to vote and by banning instant runoff/ranked choice voting in federal elections.
Click here to learn more and to tell your senators and representatives to stop this horrible bill.
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Nicole Sanchez published Better Ballot Bulletin: December 15, 2022 in Better Ballot Bulletin 2022-12-15 11:48:51 -0500
Better Ballot Bulletin: December 15, 2022
Welcome to the Better Ballot Bulletin. Here you will find important updates in the world of instant runoff voting and events to attend that help spread the word of IRV in SC.
News in Instant Runoff Voting
Georgia Runoff Recap
GA Candidates and Elected Officials on IRV: Secretary of State Brad Raffensberger, Candidate Chase Oliver, Senator Rafael Warnock, Congresswoman Carolyn Bourdeaux, State Representative Stacy Evans, and State Senator Michelle Au
Georgie Runoff Election Excludes 400,000 voters. There is a better way to select winners: FairVote
Other News
Ranked Choice Voting: Some Notes on the Politics: Cato Institute
Come from behind victories are party neutral: FairVote
In Nevada, IRV passed. Opinion: Is that Good?: The Nevada Independent
Listen: Is Ranked Choice Voting a Cure For What Ails Politics?: Politics is Everything
Ranking Presidents: How Ranked Choice Voting Can Improve Presidential Primaries: RStreet
Better Ballot SC Events
IRV Day Rally 1/23: Jan 23. We're going to the state house and you should come too! Let's show them how many of us want this simple, common sense upgrade!
Lobbying Day with BBSC: Jan 24. We rallied and now we're going to leverage that support. Join us to speak to our legislators. Training to take place the week before.
2 Year Anniversary Statewide Call: Jan 25, 7pm. Join us to recap the year and discuss the future. It's been a great year and we'll be continuing that trend with your help. RSVP today.
Want to be more connected? Join our Slack channel!
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!
Did you know that there are Better Ballot SC Facebook groups for your county? Join yours today to help build the movement in your backyard
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
President, BetterBallotSC
http://www.betterballotsc.org/ BetterBallotSC · SC 29420, United States
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Nicole Sanchez published Better Ballot Bulletin: Alaska Special Edition in Better Ballot Bulletin 2022-09-01 10:45:53 -0400
Better Ballot Bulletin: Alaska Special Edition
Welcome to a Special Edition of the Better Ballot Bulletin. Alaska used instant runoff voting (aka ranked choice voting) for the first time and the results are in.
Alaska's Particular Type of IRV
There are different types of instant runoff voting. Alaska conducts what is referred to as a jungle or blanket primary first. This is a free for all where anyone who qualifies under Alaska law can run. This special election turned out 10 candidates, but only the top 4 voter getters, regardless of party, advanced to the general election.
The results: Sarah Palin (R) 27%, Nicholas Begich III (R) 19%, Al Gross (I) 12%, and Mary Peltola (D) 12%. As you can see, Republicans secured the largest vote share. That makes sense when one considers that there are more registered Republicans than Democrats in Alaska. However, there are even more Alaskans that are undeclared or affiliated with a third party.
Al Gross dropped out of the race, but not early enough to allow another candidate to take his place on the ballot. This meant that on August 14 Alaskans only had 3 options instead of 4.
The Results
What took so long?
Alaska is a huge state with a lot of rural area. They allowed up to two weeks for mail in ballots to be returned (August 31st). When they had all the ballots, they pushed the button and quickly got the instant runoff result.
And the winner is...
Mary Peltola
Key Takeaways:
A Positive Campaign
Peltola, the first Alaska native to serve in congress, ran a campaign that focused on her positive vision for Alaska. She served in the legislature and built bridges between Democrats and Republicans. She is all about developing Alaska and utilizing its resources in a way that Alaskans support.
Buying into the System
Peltola supported the new IRV system from the start and bought into it. She took selfies with her rivals and focused more on her policies than on tearing down her opponents.
The Republicans did no such thing. They fought amongst each other instead of lifting each other up. Check out this article from Alaska Public Media.
Sarah Palin campaigned against RCV/IRV, which likely caused voters not to rank her as their second choice. Check out this analysis by FairVote Action.
Voters Understood the System and Like It
According to a new poll conducted by Patinkin Research Strategies, 85% of voters found RCV to be simple and 95% of voters received instructions on how to use the system.
High Voter Turn Out
Though this was a special case for an open seat (Don Young had held the position for nearly 50 years), voter turnout was higher than in the last three primaries
Valid Ballots
99.8% of all ballots cast were valid, confirming that voters did understand the system.
What's next?
Alaska has joined Maine as the only two states to use IRV statewide, but this is new territory for Alaska and the IRV movement in general because the system they use is different than Maine's.
This first case was a singular election. At the same time that Alaskans were ranking their candidates in the special election for their US House Seat, they were also voting in the primary for the regular general election in November. Come November, Alaskans will be voting in over 60 instant runoff contests.
Confused about the difference between instant runoff voting and ranked choice voting? No worries. They're the same thing. It's also called preferential voting and the alternative vote. At Better Ballot South Carolina, we use the term instant runoff voting because voters can easily see the connection between this upgrade to the way we vote and our current runoff system.
Events to Help Further IRV in SC
Canvassing at the Irmo Okra Strut Festival: Sept 24. This local favorite is sure to turn out lots of people. Join us to talk to festival goers about the benefits of instant runoff voting.
Weekly Work Jam and Welcome: These free form Zoom sessions are all about getting work done. Roll up your sleeves to learn a new skill or contribute with what your best at. Wednesdays: Sept 7 and Sept 21
Curious what we'll be working on? Check out our Slack (click here to join) or Facebook beforehand.
Phone Banking with Better Ballot SC: Sept 13 and Sept 27 at 6pm. Time to hit the phones! We have supporters and we need too mobilize them. Join us biweekly.
Future Events to get Excited About!
Canvassing at the South Carolina Pride Fest: Oct 15. Join us to celebrate and talk to a great crowd of people on Main Street in Columbia.
IRV Day Rally 1/23: Jan 23. We're going to the state house and you should come too! Let's show them how many of us want this simple, common sense upgrade!
Want to be more connected? Join our Slack channel!
Easy Ways to Help the Cause
Hang some flyers: Check out our Printables!
Sign and Share the Petition: Petition!
Donate to the cause: Donate! Consider making a monthly contribution. It helps us to better strategize our long term goals.
Thank you for your time,
Nicole Sanchez
President, BetterBallotSC
http://www.betterballotsc.org/ BetterBallotSC · SC 29420, United States
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Nicole Sanchez published Better Ballot Bulletin: August 15, 2022 in Better Ballot Bulletin 2022-08-15 15:30:00 -0400
Better Ballot Bulletin: August 15, 2022
Welcome to the Better Ballot Bulletin. Here you will find important updates in the world of instant runoff voting and events to attend that help spread the word of IRV in SC.
News in Instant Runoff Voting
An Important Reminder of How Elections Work - and how SC's could work better: Post and Courier
Bringing Back Local Issues Through the Fair Representation Act: FairVote
Measuring the Effects of Ranked Choice Voting in Republican Primaries: Center for Campaign Innovation
Better Ballot SC Events
Canvassing at the Main Street Latin Festival: Aug 27 at 10am. Join us for canvassing at the Soda City Market in Columbia. We'll bring the clipboards and pens, you bring the enthusiasm and smiles!
Weekly Work Jam and Welcome: These free form Zoom sessions are all about getting work done. Roll up your sleeves to learn a new skill or contribute with what your best at. Wednesdays: Aug 17 and Sept 7
Curious what we'll be working on? Check out our Slack (click here to join) or Facebook beforehand.
Phone Banking with Better Ballot SC: Aug 23 and Sept 13 at 6pm. Time to hit the phones! We have supporters and we need too mobilize them. Join us biweekly.
National Pitch Training: Join IRV fans weekly from across the country to learn from the experts how to talk to people about this great policy!
Quarterly Statewide Call: Wednesday October 26 @ 7pm. Join us to get the latest updates and discussion on upcoming events and strategy. We'll be meeting via Zoom. Register here.
Future Events to get Excited About!
Canvassing at the Irmo Okra Strut Festival: Sept 24. This local favorite is sure to turn out lots of people. Join us to talk to festival goers about the benefits of instant runoff voting.
Canvassing at the South Carolina Pride Fest: Oct 15. Join us to celebrate and talk to a great crowd of people on Main Street in Columbia.
IRV Day Rally 1/23: Jan 23. We're going to the state house and you should come too! Let's show them how many of us want this simple, common sense upgrade!
Want to be more connected? Join our Slack channel!
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!
Did you know that there are Better Ballot SC Facebook groups for your county? Join yours today to help build the movement in your backyard
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.
Hope to see you soon,
Nicole Sanchez
President, BetterBallotSC
http://www.betterballotsc.org/ BetterBallotSC · SC 29420, United States
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Nicole Sanchez published Better Ballot Bulletin: August 1, 2022 in Better Ballot Bulletin 2022-08-03 16:40:27 -0400
Better Ballot Bulletin: August 1, 2022
News in Instant Runoff Voting
This voting shortcut works for SC military; it could work for the rest of us: Post and Courier
Opinion: Instant runoffs offer states a chance to increase security and save money: The Hill
The State of Congress. An Argument for the Fair Representation Act: FairVote
Better Ballot SC Events
Canvassing at the Soda City Market: Aug 13, 10am. Join us for canvassing at the Soda City Market in Columbia. We'll bring the clipboards and pens, you bring the enthusiasm and smiles!
Weekly Work Jam and Welcome: These free form Zoom sessions are all about getting work done. Roll up your sleeves to learn a new skill or contribute with what your best at. Wednesdays: Aug 3 and Aug 17.
Curious what we'll be working on? Check out our Slack (click here to join) or Facebook beforehand.
Phone Banking with Better Ballot SC: Aug 9 and Aug 23 at 6pm. Time to hit the phones! We have supporters and we need too mobilize them. Join us biweekly.
National Pitch Training: Join IRV fans from across the country to learn from the experts how to talk to people about this great policy! Aug 4 and Aug 11.
Quarterly Statewide Call: Wednesday October 26 @ 7pm. Join us to get the latest updates and discussion on upcoming events and strategy. We'll be meeting via Zoom. Register here.
Want to be more connected? Join our Slack channel!
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!
Did you know that there are Better Ballot SC Facebook groups for your county? Join yours today to help build the movement in your backyard
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.
Hope to see you soon,
Nicole Sanchez
President, BetterBallotSC
http://www.betterballotsc.org/ BetterBallotSC · SC 29420, United States
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Nicole Sanchez published Better Ballot Bulletin: May 15, 2022 in Better Ballot Bulletin 2022-05-15 16:07:08 -0400
Better Ballot Bulletin: May 15, 2022
Welcome to the Better Ballot Bulletin. Here you will find important updates in the world of instant runoff voting and events to attend that help spread the word of IRV in SC.
News in Instant Runoff Voting
Two New Studies about the NYC IRV primary last year. (Great news, read for details): FairVote and Unite America
Howie Hawkins Launches Campaign for NY Governor. (IRV is on his platform. Read to find out why): WSKG
"Whig-ing Out" Over the History of Single-Member Plurality Voting. (Perfect read for people wondering how to counter the "We've always voted this way" argument): FairVote
Better Ballot SC Events
Weekly Work Jam and Welcome: These free form Zoom sessions are all about getting work done. Roll up your sleeves to learn a new skill or contribute with what your best at. Wednesdays: May 18 and June 8.
Curious what we'll be working on? Check out our Slack (click here to join) or Facebook beforehand.
Canvassing at the Soda City Market: May 21. They'll come for the food and shopping and we'll educate them about instant runoff voting. Join us for a good time talking to our fellow South Carolinians.
Quarterly Statewide Call: Wednesday July 27 @ 7pm. Join us to get the latest updates and discussion on upcoming events and strategy. We'll be meeting via Zoom. Register here.
Want to be more connected? Join our Slack channel!
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!
Did you know that there are Better Ballot SC Facebook groups for your county? Join yours today to help build the movement in your backyard
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.
Hope to see you soon,
Nicole Sanchez
President, BetterBallotSC
http://www.betterballotsc.org/ BetterBallotSC · SC 29420, United States
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Host a House Party
Are you a fan of instant runoff voting (also known as ranked choice voting) and want your friends to know it too? This is a perfect opportunity!
We can send a presenter who knows all about IRV and can easily communicate that information to you and your guests. Plus, you'll have the opportunity to see IRV in action with an election of your choice. Some of our favorites are cookies, wings, and beer, but if you have something else in mind, we're open! Just let us know.
To host a house party, simply fill out the form below and we'll be in touch.
Some happy guests at our first house party!
Become a volunteer
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Nicole Sanchez published Better Ballot Bulletin: January 1, 2022 in Better Ballot Bulletin 2022-01-01 14:57:05 -0500
Better Ballot Bulletin: January 1, 2022
First, I would like to wish each and every one of you a happy and healthy New Year! I hope that the spirit of growth and improvement reaches all aspects of your life, including your desire to strengthen our democracy.
Welcome to the Better Ballot Bulletin. Here you will find important updates in the world of instant runoff voting and events to attend that help spread the word of IRV in SC.
News in Instant Runoff Voting
Virginia Republicans Used IRV to sweep the state for the first time in 12 years by picking candidates with broad support: Washington Post
The US House passed the Voter's Choice Act, the first bill that includes support for IRV at the federal level: FairVote
Better Ballot SC Events
Weekly Work Jam and Welcome: These free form Zoom sessions are all about getting work done. Roll up your sleeves to learn a new skill or contribute with what your best at. Wednesdays: January 12 and January 19.
Pitch Training: January 12, 8:30om. Join us to learn how to talk to people about Instant Runoff Voting.
Meeting and Trivia: January 13, Old Mill Brewhouse, Lexington. Bring your thinking caps for this informal meeting and then trivia night.
Canvassing at the Soda City Market: January 15 and January 22. They'll come for the food and shopping and we'll educate them about instant runoff voting. Join us for a good time talking to our fellow South Carolinians.
January Statewide Call (1 year anniversary): January 26 @ 7pm. Join us to get the latest updates and to recap this year's activities. We'll be meeting via Zoom. Register here.
RCV Day:
Mark your calendars for RCV Day, 1/23 (123, get it? We're so punny). This is a nationwide event to promote RCV/IRV that will run all weekend. We'll be sending out additional details soon. If you have any suggestions or are interested in participating, please fill out this short form (it really is short, I assure you)
Want to get involved? It's a great way to learn new skills or to hone current ones. Check out all the ways that you can contribute to this great movement. For some, you don't even have to leave the house!
Want to be more connected? Join our Slack channel!
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!
Did you know that there are Better Ballot SC Facebook groups for your county? Join yours today to help build the movement in your backyard
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.
Hope to see you soon,
Nicole Sanchez
President, BetterBallotSC
http://www.betterballotsc.org/
BetterBallotSC · SC 29420, United States
Nicole Sanchez
6240sc
Author, Chainmaille artist, aspiring traveller, activist, retail worker #amwriting #vss365 #Asaldium #RCV #yanggang
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