Elections Department Reminds Public Electioneering Not Allowed

SAN FRANCISCO — With Election Day fast approaching, the San Francisco Department of Elections reminds people that electioneering is prohibited.

Electioneering is the visible display or audible dissemination of information advocating for or against any candidate or measure on the ballot within 100 feet of the entrance to a building that contains a polling place. That includes an outdoor area at which a voter may cast or drop off a ballot.

Prohibited materials, information, or activity includes, but is not limited to: a display of a candidate's name, likeness, or logo; a display of a ballot measure's number, title, subject, or logo; signs, buttons, shirts, or stickers containing information about a candidate or measure on the ballot.

It also includes any audible broadcasting of information about a candidate or measure on the ballot and obstructing access to, loitering near, or disseminating visible or audible electioneering information at vote-by-mail ballot drop boxes.

However, exit polling is allowed. Exit polling is the surveying of voters after they leave a voting site. Per California Secretary of State's guidance, people conducting exit polling may do so at least 25 feet from a voting area, in a quiet, non-disruptive manner.

Observation is also allowed. Election processes are open to public observation and all San Francisco residents, members of the media, campaigns, and any other interested parties are encouraged to observe these processes.

All observers are advised to familiarize themselves with observation guidelines and are expected to conduct their observation activities in a safe and respectful manner.

To ensure voters can cast votes without interference or intimidation, the elections department will assign nearly 80 field personnel staff to monitor activities in San Francisco's polling places on Election Day. The elections department will be prepared to handle incidents involving electioneering, disruption and/or voter intimidation, working closely with local law enforcement agencies.

Anyone who witnesses election interference, voter intimidation, or fraud, should contact the San Francisco Department of Elections at (415) 554-4375 or the district attorney's voter fraud hotline at (628) 652-4368. Voters may also call the secretary of state's confidential toll-free voter hotline at (800) 345-VOTE (8683).

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