Non-citizen voting rights in local School Board elections

On August 8, 2023, the California Court of Appeal upheld San Francisco’s non-citizen voting program. The decision permits non-citizen parents of children residing in San Francisco to continue to vote in San Francisco School Board Elections.

Non-citizens who meet these qualifications are eligible to register and vote in local School Board elections.

  • Resident of San Francisco and do not plan to move before the date of the School Board election.
  • At least 18 years old on the day of the School Board election.
  • Parent, legal guardian, or caregiver* of a child under 19 living in San Francisco.
  • Not in state or federal prison for the conviction of a felony.
  • Not currently found mentally incompetent to vote by a court.

*A caregiver is someone who signs the affidavit to enroll a minor in school and consents to school-related medical care on behalf of the minor. This is determined by state law, in CA Family Code §6550-6552.

Immigration-related resources:

San Francisco Rapid Response Network

San Francisco Immigration Support

Sanctuary City ordinance

San Francisco Pathways to Citizenship Initiative

Immigrant Parent Voting Collaborative, a group of San Francisco organizations that advocates for community voting rights in San Francisco schools: 

African Advocacy Network

Arab Resource and Organizing Center

Central American Resource Center

Chinese for Affirmative Action 

Coleman Advocates for Children and Youth 

La Raza Community Resource Center

Mission Economic Development Agency

Mission Graduates

Get help

Department of Elections

1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place
City Hall, Room 48
San Francisco, CA 94102

Phone

Fax: 415-554-7344
TTY: 415-554-4386

中文: 415-554-4367
Español: 415-554-4366
Filipino: 415-554-4310

Last updated August 11, 2023