The bill H. 3589 proposes to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws to establish the instant runoff voting method for certain local elections. It introduces a new section, 7-13-200, which defines instant runoff voting as a system where voters rank candidates by preference, and votes are counted in rounds. This method can be applied to primary and general elections for local offices, allowing for the elimination of separate primary or runoff elections. The bill also outlines the rules for counting votes and determining winners in both single and multi-office elections, ensuring that the process is efficient and transparent.

Additionally, the bill amends existing sections related to municipal council elections and nonpartisan elections to incorporate the instant runoff voting method as an option for candidate nomination and election results determination. Specifically, it modifies Section 5-15-20 to allow for multiple member election districts and updates Section 5-15-60 to include instant runoff voting among the methods for nonpartisan elections. Furthermore, it clarifies the application of majority vote determination in Section 7-17-610 to align with the instant runoff voting method. The act will take effect upon approval by the Governor.

Statutes affected:
12/12/2024: 7-13-200, 5-15-20, 5-15-60, 7-17-610
02/05/2025: 7-13-200, 5-15-20, 5-15-60, 7-17-610
Latest Version: 7-13-200, 5-15-20, 5-15-60, 7-17-610