The Department of Elections Provides Ballot Delivery and Pickup Services

Department of Elections
City and County of San Francisco 
John Arntz, Director

For Immediate Release

SAN FRANCISCO, Friday, October 25, 2024 – During the final week of the voting period, from October 28 to November 5, the Department of Elections will offer emergency ballot delivery and pickup services for homebound and hospitalized individuals who have not yet cast their votes in the November 5 election.

“Our ballot delivery and pickup program is an essential service for voters who are hospitalized or unable to travel to in-person voting sites, as well as for those needing assistance returning their vote-by-mail ballots,” said Director John Arntz. “We are grateful to collaborate with local health partners to ensure voters admitted to care facilities have the opportunity to exercise their right to vote, even when their circumstances make it difficult to do so.”

In preparation for this election cycle, the Department of Elections has conducted extensive outreach to promote accessible voting options. Last month, the Department distributed informational packets to local hospitals, nursing homes, convalescent facilities, and other care centers throughout San Francisco. Each packet included a letter outlining the city’s accessible voting services, such as the vote-by-mail system, third-party ballot pickup and return options, and emergency ballot delivery and pickup services for individuals unable to travel. Additionally, Department staff have been conducting in-person outreach presentations at these facilities to educate staff and residents about their voting options.

Any San Francisco resident who is hospitalized or otherwise unable to travel during the final week of the voting period, can request emergency ballot delivery and/or pickup by calling the Department of Elections at (415) 554-4375 or emailing sfvote@sfgov.org.

All Department of Elections staff involved in ballot deliveries are trained to respect voter privacy and uphold the fundamental right to a secret ballot, and are prepared to offer translation assistance as needed.

The Department of Elections is committed to ensuring that every voter has the opportunity to cast their ballot in the upcoming election. Anyone requiring assistance with any aspect of voting—whether it’s registering to vote, understanding voting options, navigating the vote-by-mail process, or accessing emergency ballot delivery services—is encouraged to contact the Department. The Department’s team is ready to provide information and support to ensure every voice is heard.

###

Department of Elections
City and County of San Francisco
1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place
City Hall, Room 48
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 554-4375
sfelections.gov