Fired up to vote? Host a Ballot Party!

We're all fired up and ready to vote--and there is a lot on this year's ballot! Can we make filling out our ballots easier and more fun? Yes!

Help your friends and neighbors sort through the many decisions we voters are making this year by hosting a gathering for people who want to fill out their ballots together, then walk them to the nearest ballot drop box. What do you need to host this low-key local mutual aid activity?

• Date and time: anytime between October 17 and November 2.

• Place to meet: somewhere a group of people can sit at a table for up to an hour. Could be:

  • your home

  • your neighborhood SFPL branch (note that meeting rooms at most branches must be reserved at least a week in advance)

  • your local community center (check their rules for reserving a meeting space)

  • a friendly local business

  • a park where you/your group can set up folding tables and chairs.

• What to provide:

  • Pens to fill out ballots! Someone always needs a pen. Black or blue ink.

  • Consider bringing the official voter guidebooks we received by mail and other materials that aim to educate voters about the whys and wherefores of various ballot items (as opposed to partisan materials that just tell voters what to do or push emotional buttons).

    • Different SF districts have slightly different ballots, so maybe ask attendees to bring their own official guidebooks?  If guests  come from different districts, it could be helpful to have the different versions.

  • If you can swing some light refreshments, please do. If you're meeting at a business that serves food or drink, see if the manager will approve a discount for people participating in your ballot party. (You're bringing in business, after all!)

• Get the word out: You may know the 5-10 friends and neighbors you plan to invite, and that's enough for your space. If so, you're all set! If you want to cast a wider net:

  • Let us know your plans via this Google form and ISF will promote your gathering by newsletter, website, and social media.

  • Use hyperlocal social media like Nextdoor, your own neighborhood/school networks, and good old fashioned flyering to get the word out. Need help designing a flyer? Let us know!

• RSVPs: if you're planning to meet in a location where space is limited, consider asking people to RSVP so you know if demand is exceeding space. If you have that kind of good problem, reach out to a friend about hosting a second group or info@indivisiblesf.org to work out a solution.