This final session will explore how election systems can enhance voter representation. We will start by reviewing South Carolina’s current election systems. We will then examine a number of topics through the lens of Ranked Choice Voting. This includes: open primaries, at-large vs. single member districts, and citizen-led ballot initiatives.

Constitutional law scholar John Simpkins will begin the evening for us by giving a historical background on voting systems used in South Carolina and elsewhere that enhance or limit voter representation and engagement (as voters and candidates).

Paula Lee (LWV Sacramento) and Dr. Barbara Klein (LWV Oregon), experts on Ranked Choice Voting (RCV), will then give details on RCV (which is currently only used in South Carolina for military/overseas voting but has been adopted more broadly in some other cities and states.) They will also discuss the impact that other voting approaches (including single-member districts vs at-large districts) have on voter representation and engagement.

This event is free and open to the public but you must RSVP to be sent the zoom link (look for it in your confirmation email.)

If you'd like to learn more about Ranked Choice Voting in advance of the event, we invite you to visit the Ranked Choice Voting Resource Center website.

To see recordings of previous sessions, view our Good Government webpage.