The Department of Elections Provides Guidance on Vote-by-Mail Ballot Envelopes 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, October 7, 2026 – The Department of Elections is aware that some voters have received vote-by-mail ballot packets with tears in the outer mailing envelopes. These tears do not affect voters’ ability to use their ballots as long as all four ballot cards and the ballot return envelope are intact.

After receiving reports from voters, the Department contacted the United States Postal Service (USPS), which indicated that the tears occurred as some envelopes moved through its processing equipment. Upon observing the issue, USPS switched to manual processing for the remaining vote-by-mail packets. Not all outer mailing envelopes were affected, and the Department has also received reports from voters whose packets arrived intact.

The reports received by the Department indicate that the tears are limited to the outer mailing envelope and that the contents of the affected packets remain complete. Voters who notice a tear can check their packets to confirm that they contain:

• All four ballot cards;
• A ballot return envelope; and
• An insert with voting instructions.

If all four ballot cards and the ballot return envelope are intact, voters can mark their ballots and return them using the ballot return envelope provided.

Voters who would prefer a replacement ballot or have questions about their packet can contact the Department by calling 415-558-6100, emailing sfvote@sfgov.org, or using the Voter Portal.

The Department continues to coordinate with USPS and monitor future ballot packet mailings. We thank voters for their attentiveness and for bringing this issue to our attention. The Department remains committed to ensuring that every eligible voter has the materials and assistance needed to participate in the November 3 election.

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