The Ballot Simplification Committee

Prior to each election, San Francisco’s Ballot Simplification Committee (BSC) works in public meetings to prepare impartial, plain language summaries of local ballot measures. The BSC also helps prepare the “Words You Need to Know” and the “Frequently Asked Questions” sections of the VIP. 

BSC members are volunteers and come from a variety of backgrounds, including journalism, education, and written communication. The BSC’s current members are:

Betty Packard, Chair
Nominated by:
the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences 

Ann Merrill
Nominated by:
the League of Women Voters

Scott Patterson
Nominated by:
the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences 

Michele Anderson
Nominated by:
Pacific Media Workers Guild

Andrew Shen, ex officio*
Deputy City Attorney

*By law, the City Attorney, or his or her representative, serves on the Ballot Simplification Committee and can speak at BSC meetings but cannot vote.