Special Primary Election FAQ

SF Voting Resources Page Link:

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SF Voter Information Pamphlet & Sample Ballot

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How do I know if I am eligible to vote in the 17th Assembly District Special Primary Election?

  • You must be registered to vote in the 17th Assembly District to vote in the Special Primary Election on February 15, 2022. To check if you reside in the 17th District, you can use the following search link to enter your address. All eligible voters will receive a Vote by Mail ballot.
  • 1/31/22 is the last day to register to vote unconditionally in the Special Primary Election. However, you can use CA’s same-day voter registration system between February 1st and February 15th.

When will I receive my ballot?

  • Ballots are being sent out to every registered voter starting January 17th. January 31st is the last day to receive your ballot in the mail. You can also access a ballot through the AVBM System, which can be downloaded, printed, and mailed or hand delivered. If you have not received your ballot by the 31st, you can still vote in person at the City Hall Voting Center or a polling place on Election Day, or by using the AVBM System.
  • You also have the ability to receive notifications on the status of your ballots via email, SMS (text), or voice call by visiting sos.ca.gov to sign up.

How do I vote early?

  • There are three ways to vote early!
  • Early in-person voting in the Special Primary Election begins on Tuesday, January 18 at the Voting Center in City Hall. It will be open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. until February 14th and the last two weekends before Election Day (February 5–6 and February 12–13), from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

I’m not registered to vote, can I still cast a ballot?

  • You have till January 31st to register to vote unconditionally in the February 15th election - check your status here!
  • If you missed this deadline, no worries! You can register to vote in-person using CA’s same-day voter registration system between February 1st and February
  • Visit sos.ca.gov for a list of early voting locations where you can complete the Same Day Voter Registration Process.

How soon can I drop off my ballot?

  • Starting January 18 through 8 p.m. on Election Day (February 15th), there will be 34 Official 24-Hour Ballot Drop Boxes across San Francisco. You can visit this link to access the ​​locations and a map of Official Ballot Drop Boxes in San Francisco.

When are polling places open to vote in person?

  • Early in-person voting in the Special Primary Election begins on Tuesday, January 18 at the Voting Center in City Hall.
  • Tuesday, February 15th, 2022 – Election Day 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM at all other polling places.
  • Check this website for real-time waits.

Can I vote at any polling place?

  • No, your assigned polling place is listed on the back cover of your Voter Information Pamphlet. If your assigned polling place changes, you will receive a postcard from the Department of Elections and a sign will be posted at your old polling place location. You can confirm your polling place by visiting this link.
  • If you visit a polling place that you were not assigned, you can still cast a provisional ballot.

What do I do if I lost my vote by mail ballot?

  • If you have lost your vote by mail ballot, you can also access a ballot through the AVBM System, which can be downloaded, printed, and mailed or hand delivered.
  • You can request a replacement vote-by-mail ballot before February 9 by clicking here or calling the Department of Elections at (415) 554-4375. After that date, contact the Department as soon as possible to discuss your voting options.

When is the last day to mail in my ballot?

  • Vote-by-mail ballots must be postmarked no later than Election Day, February 15 to be counted.

I forgot to sign my ballot! What should I do?

How late can I drop off my ballot to the Official 24-Hour Ballot Drop Boxes?

  • Hand-delivered vote-by-mail ballots can be dropped off by 8:00 p.m. on Election Day (2/15/22) at any polling location, drop box, at the office of the elections official, or at any ballot dropoff location. To be counted, your ballot must be deposited in the box no later than 8 p.m. on Election Day, February 15. (If there is a line of voters at that time, you can still drop off your ballot, provided you arrived by 8 p.m.)

How can I stay updated on Election results?

Where can I check if I’m registered to vote?

  • The Department’s Voter Portal allows you to check if you are currently registered to vote.

Am I able to track the receipt of my ballot?