We are back for this month's The Scoop on RCV - your short update about all things ranked choice voting in Texas! 
THE SCOOP: RCV FOR TEXAS UPDATES
Look what's happening right now...
Help Defeat Bills to Ban RCV in Texas
RCV For Texas Top Priority Bill
Testify for RCV During Session
1. SPOTLIGHT: Help Defeat Bills to Ban RCV in Texas
There is a movement afoot in the Texas Senate and House that is trying to ban all use of ranked choice or instant runoff voting in any Texas elections. Senate Bill 921 and House Bill 3611 have been filed to do that.
Texas is the only southern state that does not allow military and overseas voters to use RCV. This ban would also prevent municipalities from enacting RCV that has been approved by their own voters (see the “A Case for Home Rule” article).
A total ban of this nonpartisan change is a bad idea. We need your help to defeat these bills.
Use this easy link to TAKE ACTION now to email or call your state legislators and ask them to oppose SB921 and HB3611 or any bill that would ban the use of RCV.
UPCOMING EVENTS
- TONIGHT, March 15 at 7:30PM – Austin Area RCV Meetup: Hang out with RCV enthusiasts in Austin at Cosmic Coffee + Beer Garden to discuss RCV in the Texas legislature and how to boost the RCV Austin Chapter. Special guest, David Green, will also be in attendance to fill us in on RCV progress nationally. Free appetizers! RSVP at our Event Calendar.
- March 16 at 8PM - RCV Speaker Training: Help educate the public about RCV and gain endorsements through speaking engagements! This is the opening session of Speaker Training for passionate and engaging volunteers to become knowledgeable and confident to make presentations. RSVP at our Event Calendar.
- March 16, 23, & 30 at 8AM – RCV Pitch Training: Come learn how to talk to people when you are in the field and ask them to support our efforts to bring ranked choice voting to Texas. Register at our Event Calendar.
- March 16-18 at 9AM – Canvass in San Antonio with David Green: Canvass for Ranked Choice Voting in San Antonio alongside David Green who will share his experience and tips! Register at our Event Calendar.
- March 17 at 7PM – San Antonio Area RCV Meetup: Hang out with RCV enthusiasts in San Antonio at The Dooryard Brewery to discuss RCV in the Texas legislature and how to boost the RCV San Antonio Chapter. Special guest, David Green, will also be in attendance to fill us in on RCV progress nationally. Free appetizers! RSVP at our Event Calendar.
- March 21 & 28 at 6:30PM - Live Outreach Planning Meetings: We will be hosting weekly meetings in March to discuss in-person opportunities to recruit supporters and prepare you to talk about RCV. No prior experience is needed. Register at our Event Calendar.
WHAT WE ARE READING
FairVote has ranked all 50 states based on the weakness or strength of voter voice within each state. They highlight the overwhelming lack of competition in U.S. House of Representatives elections. Check it out to see where each state ranks.
Did you know that the Academy Awards utilize RCV to select winners for Best Picture and other nominations? Read more to find out fun facts about RCV and our friend Oscar.
Ranked Choice Voting in Local elections: A Case for Home Rule – Wyoming Tribune
Local power to adopt ranked choice voting is a great example for home rule. Walter Olson, senior fellow at the Cato Institute, provides the case for home rule and how RCV fits in.
THE SCOOP: RCV FOR TEXAS UPDATES
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RCV For Texas Top Priority Bill
The RCV for Texas campaign is continuing to advocate for our top priority bill that would allow military and overseas voters to use RCV. Our servicemembers must be protected from disenfranchisement due to delays in receiving ballots for runoff elections. RCV would protect their right to vote by providing servicemembers two ballots in each election where a majority of votes is required to win and therefore there may need to be a runoff.
- Ballot one is a standard ballot where the voter selects a single choice for each position.
- Ballot two is an instant runoff ballot that would allow voters to rank their choices.
- Both ballots would be returned in a single envelop but the second ballot would only be opened in the event of a runoff.
This would save taxpayers the cost of a second mailing and ensure that participation does not decrease between the general election and runoff.
Read our summary of the RCV for Military and Overseas Voters bill here.
- Ballot one is a standard ballot where the voter selects a single choice for each position.
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Testify for RCV During Session
Are you interested in testifying at the Texas State Capitol during this Legislative Session? Our RCV bills will be referred in the House to Elections Committee and in the Senate to State Affairs where the public can provide oral testimony when a hearing is held. It is a great way to flex your civic engagement and support a cause that you believe in!
If you are interested in testifying reach out to
[email protected].
If you haven't yet, follow us on social media. You can find us anywhere:
We need your help!
Leading the charge for better elections in Texas through our grassroots campaign requires resources and help from committed supporters like you!
Ranked choice voting can lead to better elections by saving taxpayers time and money, creating broad support for candidates, reducing negative campaigning, and giving voters more choice and a stronger voice.
Please help bring ranked choice voting to Texas by donating today!
Ranked Choice Voting for Texas
http://www.rcvfortexas.org/