Where, When, and How to Vote in this Election

Where do I get my mail ballot?

Paper Mail Ballot: We will mail you a vote-by-mail packet. This packet will contain a ballot, instructions, a postage-paid return envelope and an “I Voted” sticker.

Accessible Mail Ballot: You can go to sfelections.gov/ncvaccess to download your ballot. You can use a personal device or screen reader to mark this ballot.

When do I get my mail ballot?

Starting 29 days before Election Day

How do I cast my mail ballot?

Paper Mail Ballot: 

1. Read all ballot card instructions.
2. Make selections with a dark pen.
3. Remove receipt and fold ballot. 
4. Place ballot in return envelope. 
5. Complete and sign envelope.
6. Return by mail or hand delivery.

Accessible Mail Ballot: 

1. Read all online instructions.
2. Use preferred input to mark ballot. 
3. Follow prompts to print ballot. 
4. Place ballot in return envelope. 
5. Complete and sign envelope. 
6. Return by mail or hand-delivery. 

When do I cast my mail ballot?

You must return your mail ballot by Election Day, November 5, which means:

• Any time before Election Day, by mail or delivery to the City Hall Voting Center or an official drop box,
• By 8 p.m. on Election Day to the City Hall Voting Center, a drop box, or a polling place,

                                                       OR

• If you plan to return your ballot by mail on Election Day be sure to check last mail pickup time! 

Where do I vote?

• At any time during the voting period, you can go to the City Hall Voting Center.

                                                       OR

• On Election Day, go to your assigned polling place. To find the right place and get the right ballot, please visit sfelections.gov/myvotinglocation or see the back cover of your printed Voter Information Booklet.

When do I vote?

• Between October 7 and November 5, you can vote at City Hall during these hours:
  • Weekdays: from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (except October 14, Indigenous People' Day) 
  • Saturday-Sunday, October 26-27 and November 2-3, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Election Day: from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

                                                 OR

• On Election Day, you can vote at your assigned polling place between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m.

How do I vote?

1. At check-in, give your name and address.
2. Choose a ballot format.
3. Take your voting materials to a booth.
4. Mark your ballot using a pen or device.
5. Enclose your ballot in a secrecy sleeve or return envelope.
6. Cast your ballot using a ballot-scanning machine or drop box.
7. If you like, wear your "I Voted!" sticker and take a selfie to encourage others to do so!

Before you mark your official ballot, you can practice making your selections using the sample ballot. 

Starting October 25, you can also see a list of qualified write-in candidates at any local voting site or online at sfelections.gov/writein.

After reading the official ballot instructions printed on the ballot, use a dark pen to mark your selections: 

1. To choose a listed candidate, simply fill in the oval to the right of that candidate’s name.
2. To choose a write-in candidate, write their name in the blank and fill in the oval on that row.

If you make a mistake, you can get a replacement ballot by calling (415) 554-4375 or by visiting a voting site.