Election Observer Information

Election Observer Information

Anyone may observe all aspects of the election process so long as they do not interfere.

Preparing vote-by-mail ballots for counting starts 10 business days prior to the election, in the Elections Department office during regular business hours, weekdays 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Work will continue through mid-November until all ballots are processed.

Counting vote-by-mail ballots starts 8 business days prior to the election, in the Elections Department office secure room during regular business hours, weekdays 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Counting will continue through the month until all ballots are counted.

Election Day Vote Centers are open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. A list of polling places and the Election Observer Guidelines are available on our website. Vote-By-Mail Special Elections do not have polling places.

Vote Center ballots will be returned to the Civic Center at the middle arch daily after the Vote Centers close and on Election Day, after the polls close at 8 p.m.

The manual tally of ballots is conducted at the end of the canvass period in the Elections Department office during regular business hours, weekdays 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Work will continue until the manual tally is finished. Notice of the specific date will be posted online five days in advance.

Elections Department location: Suite 121 of the Civic Center, 3501 Civic Center Drive, San Rafael. Call 415-473-6456 for more information.