The Department of Elections Encourages Voters to Opt Out of Mailed Voter Information Pamphlet for Future Elections
Department of Elections
City and County of San Francisco
John Arntz, Director
For Immediate Release
SAN FRANCISCO, Friday, April 18, 2025 – This year marks the 55th anniversary of Earth Day, a celebration of environmental awareness and action. In that spirit, the San Francisco Department of Elections invites voters to take a small yet impactful step toward sustainability: opt out of receiving the printed Voter Information Pamphlet (VIP) by mail and choose to access the digital version for future elections.
The VIP provides official, nonpartisan information about local candidates, ballot measures, and voting options. For each election, the Department prints nearly 500,000 copies of this often multi-hundred-page publication, requiring substantial amounts of paper and public funds. By law, the Department must mail a printed VIP to every registered voter unless the voter actively chooses to receive it electronically. This means households with multiple registered voters often receive duplicate copies unless each voter opts out individually.
“We want all San Francisco voters to know they have convenient alternatives for accessing their Voter Information Pamphlet,” said Director John Arntz. “Reading or listening to the pamphlet online supports both environmental and fiscal responsibility. We especially encourage multi-voter households to consider sharing one printed copy while the remaining voters opt for the digital version.”
“Voter Information Packets are an important resource to residents, and we encourage those who want to utilize a digital copy to make the switch,” said Tyrone Jue, Director of the San Francisco Environment Department. “In an age where digital resources are becoming more accessible, you can choose a sustainable option that does not impact the environment and still provides important information for civic participation.”
Voters who opt out of receiving the printed pamphlet will be sent a link to the online VIP when it becomes available—approximately 40 days before each election. The digital VIP is accessible in several formats, including PDF, HTML, and MP3, ensuring access for voters with different needs and preferences. Voters can also call the Department to request an audio flash drive or CD version.
To opt out of receiving the printed pamphlet, voters may:
- Visit sfelections.gov/voterportal
- Email SFVote@sfgov.org
- Call (415) 554-4375
In celebration of Earth Day, the Department’s Outreach Team will host informational tables at several community events, including the Yerba Buena Gardens Earth Day Festival and Earth Day at the University of San Francisco (USF). At these events, Department staff will be available to assist voters with updating their VIP delivery preferences and share information about election services and programs.
Community organizations interested in hosting a voter registration event, informational presentation, or outreach partnership are encouraged to contact the Department at (415) 554-5230 or sfoutreach@sfgov.org.
This Earth Day, join the Department of Elections in conserving resources—one pamphlet at a time!
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