San Francisco Sun

The Department of Elections in San Francisco has issued a reminder about the prohibition of electioneering near polling places and official ballot drop-off boxes. The announcement, made on November 1, 2024, emphasizes the rules in place to maintain order during the voting process.

Electioneering is defined as any visible or audible advocacy for or against candidates or measures on the upcoming November 5 ballot within a 100-foot radius of polling place entrances or outdoor ballot drop-off locations. Prohibited activities include displaying a candidate's name, likeness, logo, measure numbers, titles, subjects, signs, buttons, shirts, stickers related to any candidate or measure on the ballot. Audible information regarding a candidate or measure and obstructing or loitering near vote-by-mail drop boxes are also not allowed.

While exit polling is permissible at least 25 feet away from voting areas if conducted quietly and non-disruptively, observation of election processes by residents and media is encouraged. Observers must adhere to guidelines and conduct themselves respectfully.

To ensure compliance with these regulations and address potential issues such as electioneering or voter intimidation, nearly 80 field personnel from the Department will monitor polling sites on Election Day in collaboration with local law enforcement.

Concerns about election interference can be reported to the Department of Elections at (415) 554-4375 or through the District Attorney’s Voter Fraud Hotline at (628) 652-4368. Additionally, reports can be submitted via the Secretary of State’s confidential toll-free Voter Hotline at (800) 345-VOTE (8683).

Further details on observing elections can be found at www.sf.gov/election-observation or by contacting the Department directly.