I encourage state residents to support S.C. House bill H.4022, which allows instant runoff voting in municipal elections.
This type of voting is already an option for South Carolina voters who are overseas or in the military.
The bill allows all voters in municipal elections to cast instant runoff ballots if the municipality approves it.
The voting process eliminates the need for costly runoffs that have poor turnouts. It increases voter participation by reducing the spoiler effect where one candidate “strips” votes from another, thus giving voters more choice and more voice when they vote.
Negative campaigning is reduced dramatically, which gives candidates more opportunity to focus on the issues.
Please write your state representative to ask for a hearing on H.4022. Go to betterballotsc.org for more information.
SHARON ROBINSON
Charleston
Free tax help available
The AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Program offers free help with preparing your income taxes. There is no age limit, and one doesn’t have to be a member of AARP.
This program offers help through the end of the tax season. For locations in the tri-county area, go to aarp.org/money/taxes/aarp_taxaide/locations.html.
Dates and times vary by location, so it’s best to make an appointment.
PAT MERRIAM
Goose Creek
Send us your letters
To submit a letter to the editor, send an email to letters@postandcourier.com or fill out the form on our online portal.
Letters can be a maximum of 250 words and are subject to editing for clarity, tone and libel. They must carry the writer’s name and address for publication and a daytime telephone number for verification.
