October has come to a close, and November—with the start of the holiday season and all its pumpkin favorites—is already knocking on the door.
November is also election month! With just six days left until Election Day, November 4, we encourage all of our outreach partners to remind anyone who hasn’t voted yet to do so soon. Voters can choose whichever option works best for them—by mail, in person at the Voting Center in City Hall, or at their polling place on Election Day.
In this edition, we highlight the voting options available to San Franciscans, remind voters of their right to take time off to vote, celebrate the success of this fall’s Elections Ambassador Program, announce hiring of bilingual staff to support outreach and services for voters who prefer information in Vietnamese, and more!
We hope you find this issue informative and share it within your networks.
Vote Your Way — It’s Easy, Secure, and Convenient!
The Department of Elections has mailed ballots to all voters registered by October 20. Voters have several ways to return their completed ballots:
Return by Mail
Ballots must be postmarked by Election Day and received by the Department of Elections within seven days after to be counted.
We encourage voters planning to mail their ballots to send them as soon as possible to ensure timely delivery.
Drop Off a Ballot
Ballots can be dropped off at any of the 37 official drop boxes located throughout San Francisco or at one of the 100 polling places open on Election Day.
Ballots can also be returned at any California voting site or polling place on Election Day between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m.
Vote in Person: Early or on Election Day
The City Hall Voting Center on the ground floor is open for in-person voting through Election Day, November 4:
- Monday–Friday: 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Weekend of November 1–2: 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
- Election Day, November 4: 7 a.m.–8 p.m.
On Election Day, 100 polling places across San Francisco will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
This election, many voters will have new polling place locations and confirming the assigned location is quick and easy. Voters can review the voting instructions insert included with the vote-by-mail ballot packet, visit sfelections.gov/voterportal, or call (415) 554-4375.
Time Off to Vote
Did you know? Under California Elections Code Section 14000, employees who do not have enough time to vote outside of their regular working hours may take up to two hours off with pay to cast their ballot.
With Election Day on November 4, now is the perfect time to make your voting plan and remind friends, family, and coworkers to do the same!
Ballot Delivery and Pickup Services
The Department of Elections offers emergency ballot delivery and pickup services for voters who are hospitalized or otherwise unable to vote by mail or in person, ensuring that every eligible voter has the opportunity to cast a ballot.
To request this service, voters may call (415) 554-4375 or email sfvote@sfgov.org
Every staff member assisting with ballot delivery is trained to protect voter privacy, uphold the right to a secret ballot, and provide translation support when needed.
We Are Hiring!
The Department of Elections is hiring a bilingual English/Vietnamese staff member to help provide services and outreach to voters who prefer to receive election information in Vietnamese.
If you or someone you know is passionate about civic engagement and language access, apply today at https://us.smrtr.io/4fyy7 and help us share this opportunity with others who may be interested in joining our team.
Celebrating the Successes of the Fall 2025 Elections Ambassadors
On October 16, we gathered at City Hall to celebrate our Fall 2025 High School Elections Ambassadors and recognize their efforts to promote pre-registration and civic engagement among San Francisco youth.
During California’s Fall 2025 High School Voter Education Weeks, the Ambassadors organized dozens of outreach activities across their schools and neighborhoods, engaging with hundreds of students, sparking conversations about the importance of voting, and inspiring their peers to take part in civic life.
Together, 44 San Francisco high school students from 14 public and private schools helped pre-register 291 future voters—an achievement that highlights the power of youth leadership and collaboration.
We’re grateful to all our Fall 2025 Elections Ambassadors, and to the teachers, schools, and librarians who supported the program. We can’t wait to welcome even more students to the Spring 2026 Elections Ambassador Program and continue building a culture of civic engagement across our city.
Stay Connected with Us on Social Media
Stay up to date with the latest voter and election news by following the Department of Elections on Instagram, Facebook, and X (Twitter)!
Each week, we share posts about registration opportunities, community outreach events, and upcoming elections, including voting options, key deadlines, and other important resources for San Francisco voters. Our pages also spotlight career opportunities, poll worker service, and youth civic engagement programs.
Help us grow our community! Like, follow, and share our posts with friends, family, and coworkers to help more San Franciscans to stay informed, connected, and election ready!
Where We Have Been This Month
This month, our Outreach Team took every opportunity to connect with San Franciscans, helping residents register to vote and sharing information about the upcoming November 4 Statewide Special Election.
We met voters at SFSU, UC Hastings, UCSF, Glide Memorial, Chase Center, and the Chinese Newcomers Service Center, among many other community spots. Our team also conducted voter education presentations at The Academy High School, Herald Hotel, Valencia Gardens, and Avanza 490 Apartments, reaching students, seniors, and limited-English-proficient residents.
We were inspired by the enthusiasm for civic participation and are grateful for every chance to help San Franciscans stay informed, engaged, and ready to vote!
Here are a few highlights from our recent events:
SFSU Ballots, Bats & Brews Registration Drive
Helped new college students register to vote in the Statewide Special Election
Canon Kip Senior Center Presentation
Conducted November 4th Statewide Special Election Presentation for senior voters
2025 Chinatown Autumn Moon Festival Street Fair
Shared information on accessible resources and the Statewide Special Election
Until Next Month
Thank you for reading this month’s edition! We’ll be back in November with more election updates and highlights from our outreach across San Francisco.
In the meantime, have a fun and safe Halloween, and if you haven’t voted yet, make sure to add it to your to-do list. Every vote matters, and every voice counts!
Warmly,
Your Outreach Team: Nataliya, Anmarie, Adriana, Tiff, Max, and Edgar