The Department of Elections Issues Ballots to Military and Overseas Voters for the November 3, 2026, Consolidated General Election

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

For Immediate Release

SAN FRANCISCO, Thursday, September 17, 2026 – This week, the Department of Elections will begin issuing ballots for the November 3 Election to San Francisco voters serving in the military or residing outside the United States.

In accordance with federal and state election laws, military and overseas voters receive their ballots earlier than other voters. More than 11,000 San Francisco military and overseas voters will receive their ballots by email, fax, or postal mail, depending on the delivery method selected in their voter registration records.

“We recognize the unique circumstances military and overseas voters may face when participating in an election,” said Director John Arntz. “We want to make voting as easy as possible by delivering ballots through each voter’s preferred method and providing clear return instructions. We also maintain a dedicated email address for military and overseas voters and respond to their questions as quickly as possible, helping ensure every eligible voter has the opportunity to make their voice heard in this election.”

To qualify as a military or overseas voter in California, an individual must be:

• An active-duty member of the United States Armed Forces or an auxiliary branch
• A United States citizen living outside the country
• A member of the Merchant Marine
• A spouse or dependent of an active-duty member of the United States Armed Forces or an auxiliary branch

For information about registering as a military or overseas voter or requesting, receiving, and returning a ballot, visit sfelections.gov/MILOS or contact the Department of Elections at sfvoteabroad@sfgov.org.

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