Voter Information Guides
On this page you can find information about local and state voter information guides, review the contest on your ballot for the upcoming election, and view a list of certified write-in candidates.
Voter Information Guides
For every election, the San Francisco Department of Elections produces a non-partisan Voter Information Pamphlet (VIP) with the purpose of providing information about voting, candidates running for local and certain state and federal offices, and local ballot measures. The printed VIP also includes your sample ballot. You may use your sample ballot to practice marking your selections before marking your official ballot.
The VIP is available online in PDF, HTML, XML, or MP3 format and in large print, CD audio, USB, and National Library Service (NLS) cartridge by request.
Want to save paper? Per elections law, elections officials must mail all registered voters hard copy voter guides, with the exception of those who have opted out of hard copy mailings in favor of electronic delivery. To opt in or out of hard copy voter guide mailings, please submit your request using the Voter Portal or call (415) 554-4375.
You may bring your voter guides with you to your polling place. Every polling place also has copies.
 San Francisco Voter Information Pamphlet |
 California Voter Information Guide |
|
|---|---|---|
| When is it available online? | Approximately 5 weeks before Election Day |
Approximately 4 weeks before Election Day |
| Where can I read it online? | voterguide.sos.ca.gov | |
| When is it mailed? | Approximately 4 to 5 weeks before Election Day |
Approximately 4 to 5 weeks before Election Day |
Write-In Candidates
A qualified write-in candidate is a person who has submitted the required documentation to run for office, but whose name does not appear on the ballot. The only write-in votes that can be counted are votes for qualified candidates. Write-in candidates are not permitted at the general election for a voter-nominated office.
