The Department of Elections Makes the Voter Information Pamphlet and Sample Ballot Available 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, Wednesday, September 23, 2026 – The Department of Elections has posted the Voter Information Pamphlet (VIP) for the November 3 election at sfelections.gov/vip. Voters can also now view their sample ballot in the Voter Portal by selecting the “View My Voter Information Pamphlet and Sample Ballot” tab.

This week, the Department will begin mailing VIPs to hundreds of thousands of San Francsico voters. Voters who have opted out of receiving a mailed VIP will receive a link to the digital version. 

The VIP helps voters prepare for the election. It includes a sample ballot, information about local candidates and ballot measures, an explanation of ranked-choice voting, and instructions for voting by mail or in person. Voters can use the pamphlet to review what will appear on their ballot and make a plan to vote.

“As the November 3 election approaches, the Department of Elections is committed to providing voters with the information they need to make informed decisions,” said Director John Arntz. “We urge voters to use official election resources when they have questions. Our Voter Information Pamphlet and the California Secretary of State’s Voter Information Guide are reliable places to learn about the election and prepare to vote.”

The VIP also includes sections on election information and voter services. “Get Election Information from Trusted, Official Sources” directs voters to the Department’s multilingual website, Voter Portal, social media channels, and email updates. It explains how to contact the Department for assistance and report potential election misinformation. Through the Voter Portal, voters can check their registration information, track their ballot, find their polling place, and access other personalized election services.

“Five Facts About San Francisco Elections” addresses common questions about the voting process. This section covers vote-by-mail security, when a voter may be asked for identification, how provisional ballots are reviewed and counted, and the safeguards used to ensure accurate and transparent election results. It also describes the Department’s efforts to provide a safe and accessible voting experience for all voters.

Other pages highlight ballot delivery and assistance for voters unable to travel; voting rights for people with a criminal history or in local detention facilities; and eligibility for certain noncitizen parents and caregivers to vote in the local Board of Education election. The pamphlet also offers guidance on keeping a voter’s signature up to date to help ensure their vote-by-mail ballot can be counted with no delays.

Voters can read the VIP online at sfelections.gov/vip and access personalized election information through the Voter Portal. For questions or assistance, voters can contact the Department at (415) 558-6100 or sfvote@sfgov.org

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