Department of Elections
City and County of San Francisco
John Arntz, Director

For Immediate Release
SAN FRANCISCO, Sunday, November 6, 2022 – The Department of Elections reminds campaign staff and San Francisco residents of the rules relating to the prohibition on electioneering.

Electioneering is Prohibited
Electioneering is the visible display or audible dissemination of information that advocates for or against any candidate or measure on the ballot within 100 feet of the entrance to a building that contains a polling place, or an outdoor area at which a voter may cast or drop off a ballot.

Prohibited materials, information, or activity includes, but is not limited to:

• a display of a candidate’s name, likeness, or logo.
• a display of a ballot measure’s number, title, subject, or logo.
• signs, buttons, shirts, or stickers containing information about a candidate or measure on the ballot.
• any audible broadcasting of information about a candidate or measure on the ballot.
• obstructing access to, loitering near, or disseminating visible or audible electioneering information at vote-by-mail ballot drop boxes.

Campaign staff and supporters are advised to familiarize themselves with the San Francisco Public Works Code, Article 5.6 that outlines the requirements and responsibilities for posting signs on public property.  

Exit Polling Is Permissible
Exit polling is the surveying of voters after they leave a voting site. Per California Secretary of State’s guidance, people conducting exit polling may do so at least 25 feet from a voting area, in a quiet, non-disruptive manner.

Observation Is Permissible
Election processes are open to public observation and all San Francisco residents, members of the media, campaigns, and any other interested parties are encouraged to observe these processes. All observers are advised to familiarize themselves with observation guidelines and are expected to conduct their observation activities in a safe and respectful manner.

To ensure all votes are able to cast their vote in an environment free from interference and intimidation, the Department of Elections assigns nearly 80 field personnel staff to monitor activities in San Francisco’s polling places on Election Day and report back to the Department. The Department of Elections will be prepared to handle incidents involving electioneering, disruption and/or voter intimidation, working closely with local law enforcement agencies.

Anyone who witnesses election interference, voter intimidation, or fraud, should contact the Department of Elections at (415) 554-4375 or the District Attorney’s Voter Fraud Hotline at (628) 652-4368. (If notified, the Department of Elections will in turn notify the District Attorney). Voters may also call the Secretary of State's confidential toll-free Voter Hotline at (800) 345-VOTE (8683).

 

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Department of Elections
City and County of San Francisco
1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place,
City Hall, Room 48
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 554-4375
Sfelections.org