Here’s a guide with voter registration and other information for voting in the California election on November 2, 2010. Note that deadlines for applications and ballots are the dates by which they must be received by election officials. Postmarked dates are not applicable.
What’s on the ballot?
Check the San Francisco Voter Information Pamphlet (pdf) for the Nov. 2 election, which includes the races for U.S. Representative and California Assembly seats, and the California Official Voter Information Guide, which includes the races for US Senate and California governor.
Where do I vote?
Find your polling place using the following links based on the county you live in:
- San Francisco City and County: http://gispubweb.sfgov.org/website/pollingplace. Or call the Department of Elections,(415) 554-4375.
- Alameda County: www.smartvoter.org/ca/alm
- Contra Costa County: www.smartvoter.org/ca/cc
- Marin County: www.co.marin.ca.us/depts/RV/Main/index.cfm
- San Mateo County: www.smartvoter.org/ca/sm
- Santa Clara County: www.smartvoter.org/ca/scl
- Other California Counties: www.sos.ca.gov/elections/elections_ppl.htm
How do I register to vote? How do I find out if I’m already registered?
Check the San Francisco elections department’s FAQs for answers to these and other common questions.
I’ve decided how I’m going to vote, and I just want to get it over with. Can I vote early?
Yes, you can vote early at the Department of Elections in San Francisco's City Hall. Room 48. Voting hours are 8 am-5 pm Monday through Friday, and 10 am-4 pm on the last two weekends before the election (Oct. 23, 24, 30 and 31). On the weekends, enter City Hall on Grove Street.
Can I get an absentee ballot?
You must submit an application or request for an absentee ballot at least 15 days before the election. For an absentee ballot for the Nov. 2, 2010 election, the Department of Elections (City Hall, Room 48) must receive your application or request by 5 pm on Oct. 26. 2010. Postmark dates do not count.
You may download a pdf of the application for a vote-by-mail ballot and fill it out. Or write to the San Francisco Department of Elections to ask for a vote-by-mail ballot, and include your home address, the address where you want the ballot mailed, and your birth date, name and signature.
Vote-by-mail ballots must be received by the Department of Elections or dropped off at a polling place by 8 pm on Election Day.
When are the polls open on Election Day?
Polling places, including City Hall’s Department of Elections, are open on Nov. 2 from 7 am – 8 pm.
More info:
- Vote-by-mail applications and other forms in English, Chinese and Spanish.
- San Francisco Department of Elections website.
- Other election information from the California Secretary of State.
