Observe the Election Process
Transparency is a key component of free, fair, and functional elections. To that end, the Department of Elections welcomes members of the public to observe its operations and offer feedback.
We offer a variety of observation opportunities:
- Watch election processes in-person at the Department’s office and warehouse, or via live streams
- Take a tour of the Department of Elections
- Join the Official Observer Panel for an in-depth view of our operations
To help potential observers familiarize themselves with election processes and observation guidelines, the Department publishes an Observer Guide. The March 5, 2024 Observer Guide is currently being drafted and will include observer rights and responsibilities, as determined by the California Secretary of State and California Elections Code, and a description of observable activities that take place before, on, and after Election Day.
For more information about observation opportunities, contact us through our contact form or call us at (415) 554-4375.
Calendar of Observable Activities and Live Streams
Before each election, the Department prepares a schedule to show when, where, and how members of the public can observe specific election activities.
Calendar of Observable Activities
November 8, 2022, Consolidated General Election
+ Before Election Day |
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+ On Election Day |
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After Election Day | |||
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Activity | Details | Time | Location |
Ballot Processing and Tabulation | Ballots include vote-by-mail ballots that voters returned to polling places and official ballot drop boxes, and that the Department received in the mail within seven days of Election Day; vote-by-mail ballots that were timely remedied by voters; provisional ballots; and ballots with write-in votes. For activity on a specific day, contact Matthew Selby (415) 554-4376 |
Continues until all ballots have been counted and the results are certified (no later than December 8) | City Hall, Rm 48 |
Results Reporting after Election Night | The Department holds press briefings and posts updated results on its website on any day ballots are tabulated. | Daily at approximately 4 p.m. | In front of Rm 48 and on sfelections.org/results |
Canvass | An internal audit of the election to ensure the accuracy of results. | November 10 until complete but no later than December 8, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. | Warehouse, at Pier 31 |
1% Manual Tallies Random Selection Video recording |
Random selection of precincts and batches for manual tallies. | November 18, 9 a.m. | City Hall, Rm 48 |
1% Manual Tallies | Manual count of ballot cards from random selection. | November 19 until complete but no later than December 8, 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. | Warehouse, at Pier 31 |
Official Observer Panel Application
Prior to each election, the Department invites representatives from campaigns, political parties, the Civil Grand Jury, the League of Women Voters, other committees and organizations, members of the media, and interested members of the public to join the Official Observer Panel.
The Department hosts an introductory meeting approximately one month before each election to provide an opportunity for panelists to learn about the Department, learn more about the observation process, and learn about mechanisms for providing feedback to the Department on election processes and procedures.
To serve on the Official Observer Panel, please complete and submit the Observer Panel Application (PDF). Once we receive your application, we will send you more information and an official invitation to join the Panel.