April brings fresh perspectives and meaningful opportunities to reflect, reconnect, and re-engage. As the season shifts and nature comes alive, it’s a timely reminder of our shared responsibility to stay informed, support our communities, and help strengthen civic participation.
Whether it’s assisting a neighbor in signing up for translated election materials, joining an election advisory committee, or encouraging someone nearing voting age to pre-register—every action matters.
In this edition, we’re excited to share the results of our Go Green campaign, spotlight the importance of keeping signatures up to date in voter records, highlight our ongoing collaboration with the public, and more.
We hope this month’s updates offer helpful ways to stay connected and engaged.
Go Green Campaign! Nearly 500 Voters Switched to the Digital Pamphlet!
Earlier this month, we joined communities across the country in celebrating Earth Day — a time to reflect on the importance of sustainability and environmental responsibility. In that spirit, the Department of Elections launched a series of outreach initiatives to encourage voters to opt out of receiving the printed Voter Information Pamphlet (VIP) and instead choose the digital version for future elections.
Through community events, direct outreach, a press release from Department of Elections Director John Arntz, and targeted social media messaging, we encouraged San Franciscans to take a small but meaningful step toward reducing paper use and lowering City costs.
We’re excited to share that these efforts led to nearly 500 new paperless VIP requests!
We encourage our community partners to continue spreading the word! Switching to the digital VIP is fast and easy—just visit sfelections.gov/voterportal or call (415) 554-4375.
Together, we can make a difference—one pamphlet at a time.
Election Topic Spotlight: Importance of Up-to-Date Voter Signatures
County elections officials rely on voter signatures to verify identities when processing vote-by-mail ballots. Specifically, the signature on a vote-by-mail envelope is compared to those in the voter’s record to confirm that the ballot was completed and returned by the registered voter.
Over time, signatures can change due to age, injury, or habit. If the signature no longer resembles the one on file, the ballot may be challenged.
To support voters in these situations, the Department of Elections offers several ways to resolve, or “cure,” vote-by-mail ballots with signature issues. Cure forms are sent by mail and electronically, and can be returned by mail, email, fax, or in person. Due to these efforts, San Francisco has one of the lowest vote-by-mail ballot rejection rates in the state—just 0.53% in the November 2024 election.
Still, it remains important to keep a current signature on file. To update a signature, voters must submit a new registration form, available online at registertovote.ca.gov or in paper form at our office.
Advisory Committee Collaborations
For many years, the Department of Elections has worked closely with its advisory committees to strengthen language access and expand voting opportunities for all communities—and 2025 is no exception.
We’re currently preparing for our second Language Accessibility Advisory Committee (LAAC) meeting of the year, scheduled for May 7, from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. Among other topics, we’ll review the latest outreach materials developed for our community partners and highlight progress toward launching Vietnamese language services in 2026.
If you’re passionate about making elections more inclusive, we invite you to join the LAAC and help ensure that language is never a barrier to participation in San Francisco’s elections. Sign up to become a member at sfelections.gov/laacform.
Partnering with the Community to Strengthen Elections
The Department of Elections is committed to providing San Franciscans with accessible, inclusive, and transparent election services. A key part of this work involves listening to the public and learning from community partners.
To support ongoing improvements, the Department regularly gathers public input through surveys, feedback forms, and observation opportunities during elections. One long-standing partnership is with the Asian Law Caucus, which runs a poll observer program on Election Day. After each election, the organization shares feedback, offering suggestions on topics such as poll worker training, language access, and polling place accessibility.
Over the years, the Department has implemented many of these recommendations—leading to clearer signage, more effective placement of bilingual poll workers, streamlined voting procedures, and an overall enhanced voter experience.
We’re grateful for the continued collaboration with community groups working alongside us to make elections more inclusive and equitable for all San Franciscans.
Recent Federal Actions and What They Mean for San Francisco Voters
In response to recent federal actions related to elections administration, the Department of Elections assures San Francisco voters that no changes have been made to local voting processes or registration requirements at this time.
Voter eligibility and registration procedures remain unchanged, as the Department continues to follow California state law and local election regulations.
If any changes are introduced in the future, the Department will provide timely updates. For now, voters can continue to register to vote and participate in elections as usual.
For accurate and up-to-date election information, voters and members of the public can visit sfelections.gov or call (415) 554-4375. Voters can also sign up to receive official press releases and updates by email at sfelections.gov/trustedinfo.
Where We Have Been This Month
Over the past month, our Outreach Team has been connecting with communities across San Francisco, helping residents register to vote, learn about election programs, and stay informed. Take a look at some of the moments from our recent events!
Cesar Chavez Festival
Shared information on accessible services and programs with residents
GLIDE Resource Table
Assisted voters with updating their language preferences and registering to vote
Climate Action Youth Summit
Helping voters Go Green by opting out of the paper Voter Information Pamphlet
Until Next Month
As we wrap up this month’s Outreach Community Newsletter, we welcome your ideas for topics you’d like to see in future editions.
We’ll be back next month with more updates and resources. Until then, take care and enjoy all the beauty that our beloved city, the Bay Area, and beyond have to offer this spring!
Warmly,
Your Outreach Team: Nataliya, Anmarie, Adriana, Tiff, Max, and Edgar