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

For Immediate Release
SAN FRANCISCO, Friday, November 1, 2024 - The Department of Elections reminds campaign staff and San Francisco residents of the rules prohibiting electioneering near polling places and official ballot drop off boxes.

Electioneering is Prohibited
Electioneering includes any visible or audible advocacy for or against candidates or measures on the November 5 ballot within 100 feet of polling place entrances or outdoor ballot drop off boxes.

Prohibited materials and activities include, but are not limited to:

• Displays of a candidate's name, likeness, or logo
• Displays of a measure's number, title, subject, or logo
• Signs, buttons, shirts, or stickers related to any candidate or measure on the ballot
• Any audible information about a candidate or measure
• Obstructing, loitering, or distributing electioneering materials near vote-by-mail drop boxes

Exit Polling Is Permissible
Exit polling-surveying voters as they exit a voting site-is permitted at least 25 feet from voting areas and must be conducted quietly and non-disruptively.

Observation Is Permitted
Election processes are open to public observation, and San Francisco residents, media, campaigns, and other interested parties are welcome to observe. Observers are advised to familiarize themselves with observation guidelines and are expected to conduct themselves safely and respectfully.

To support an election free from interference, nearly 80 Department field personnel will monitor polling places on Election Day. The Department is prepared to address electioneering, disruptions, and voter intimidation, working closely with local law enforcement.

Reporting Election Interference
To report concerns regarding election interference or improper activities contact the Department of Elections at (415) 554-4375, or the District Attorney's Voter Fraud Hotline at (628) 652-4368. The Department will notify the District Attorney as needed. Reports can also be made to the Secretary of State's confidential toll-free Voter Hotline at (800) 345-VOTE (8683).

For more information on election observation, visit www.sf.gov/election-observation or contact the Department of Elections.

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Department of Elections
City and County of San Francisco
1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place
City Hall, Room 48
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 554-4375
sfelections.gov

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