Voting by Mail
New state law requires California elections officials to mail ballots to all registered voters for the upcoming election.
You will receive your vote-by-mail ballot packet in October. Your packet will contain an official ballot, instructional insert, postage-paid return envelope, and “I Voted!” sticker.
New state law also allows all registered voters to use a remote accessible vote-by-mail (AVBM) system to access their ballots in the upcoming election. The AVBM system allows voters to mark screen readable ballots and is compatible with personal assistive technology such as screen readers, head-pointers, and sip-and-puff devices. Beginning October 5, voters can access the AVBM system at sfelections.org/access.
Three Easy Steps to Voting by Mail
Whether you use a regular vote-by-mail ballot or the accessible vote-by-mail system, voting by mail involves three basic steps: 1) marking your ballot, 2) preparing your return envelope, and 3) returning your envelope on time.
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Regular Vote-by-Mail (VBM) |
Accessible Vote-by-Mail (AVBM) |
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Step 1: Mark your ballot |
Fill in ovals next to your selections using a dark blue or black pen, following the instructions printed on each ballot card. Do not write anything else on your ballot. |
Mark, review, and print your ballot, following the AVBM instructions on the screen of your device. Do not write anything else on your ballot. |
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Step 2: Prepare your |
Complete and sign your return envelope. Remove all receipts from ballot cards, and place folded cards separately into the return envelope, then seal it. |
Complete and sign your return envelope. Place the AVBM ballot printout into the envelope, then seal it. |
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Step 3: Return your ballot |
Return your vote-by-mail ballot as early as possible! • To return your ballot by mail, make sure your ballot envelope is postmarked on or before November 3. The envelope is postage-paid, so you do not need a stamp if mailing within the United States. • To return your ballot in person, bring your envelope to any polling place on Election Day or drop-off station. |
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The ballot drop-off stations will be open as follows: Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, 99 Grove Street Monday–Friday, October 5–November 2, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, October 24–25 and October 31–November 1, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Election Day, Tuesday, November 3, 7 a.m.–8 p.m. Bayview/Linda Brooks-Burton Library, 5075 3rd Street Chase Center, 1655 3rd Street Excelsior Branch Library, 4400 Mission Street Saturday and Sunday, October 31–November 1, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Monday, November 2, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Election Day, Tuesday, November 3, 7 a.m.–8 p.m. |
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Vote by Mail Tips
Review and follow the instructions printed on each ballot card carefully. After marking your ballot, double-check you have not made a mistake, such as only partially filling the selection ovals, making too many selections in a contest, or making unintentional marks. If you make a mistake, you may request a replacement ballot.
Sign your ballot return envelope. If you do not sign the envelope or if the signature on the envelope does not compare to one in your voter record, the Department will not be able to count your ballot unless you provide additional information. If your signature has changed, please re-register with your new signature.
Return your ballot as early as possible. Return your ballot as early as possible, but if you plan to return it on Election Day, November 3, we recommend bringing it to any ballot drop-off station or one of the City’s 588 polling places, which will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
If you mail your ballot on Election Day using a blue USPS box, home letterbox, or business mail drop, be sure to check the mail pickup times. If the last pickup has already occurred, your ballot will be postmarked late and will not be counted.
You can search for locations of USPS boxes and pickup times at usps.com/locator.
If you want to know the status of your ballot, track it at sfelections.org/voterportal. San Francisco’s ballot tracking system will let you know where your ballot is, from ballot assembly up through delivery, verification, and counting. You may also sign up to receive notifications via email, text, or voice message at wheresmyballot.sos.ca.gov.
If you need to request a replacement ballot, go to sfelections.org/voterportal or call (415) 554-4375. After October 28, when it is too late to receive a replacement ballot by mail, contact the Department as soon as possible to review your options.