Report Voter Intimidation

If you see anyone intimidating voters, causing disruptions or challenging voters, contact the San Diego County Registrar of Voters at 858-495-5123 or email rovmail@sdcounty.ca.gov.

Quick Reference Guide

Electioneering is Not Allowed

No one may engage in electioneering within 100 feet of a polling place, curbside voting area, ballot drop box or anywhere voters are waiting in line.

Violations may lead to fines and/or imprisonment.

You can read the full rules and information in PDF format.

Activities that are NOT allowed in these areas:

  • DO NOT ask anyone to vote for or against any candidate or ballot measure.
  • DO NOT display a candidate’s name, image, or logo.
  • DO NOT block access to or loiter near ballot drop boxes.
  • DO NOT provide any material or audible messaging supporting or opposing a candidate or ballot measure near any voting location, including polling place, vote center, or ballot drop box.
  • DO NOT circulate any petitions, including for initiatives, referenda, recall, or candidate nominations.
  • DO NOT distribute, display, or wear any clothing or items (hats, shirts, signs, buttons, stickers) that show support or opposition for any candidate or ballot measure.
  • DO NOT discuss or display information about a voter’s eligibility to vote.

These rules are established in the California Elections Code, Article 7, Chapter 4, Division 18.

Corrupting the Voting Process is Not Allowed

Breaking these rules can result in fines and/or imprisonment.

Full rules and more details are available from the Secretary of State in PDF format.

Activities NOT allowed:

  • DO NOT commit or attempt election fraud.
  • DO NOT bribe or try to influence a person to vote or not vote.
  • DO NOT vote illegally.
  • DO NOT vote, or help someone vote, if not entitled to vote.
  • DO NOT engage in electioneering; photograph or record voters entering or exiting a polling place; or obstruct parking or access.
  • DO NOT challenge voter eligibility, delay voting or falsely tell someone they are not eligible or not registered.
  • DO NOT attempt to determine how a voter cast their ballot.
  • DO NOT possess or arrange for someone to possess a firearm near a polling place (exceptions apply).
  • DO NOT wear or arrange for someone to wear a peace officer, guard, or security uniform near a polling place (exceptions apply).
  • DO NOT tamper with any voting system component.
  • DO NOT forge, counterfeit, or alter election   returns.
  • DO NOT interfere with posted election results.
  • DO NOT tamper with, destroy, or alter polling lists, official ballots, or ballot containers.
  • DO NOT display any unofficial ballot collection boxes that could mislead voters.
  • DO NOT  interfere with posted election results.
  • DO NOT coerce or deceive a person into voting against their intent.
  • DO NOT act as an election officer unless you are authorized.

Employer Rules

Employers may not require employees to bring mail ballot to work or ask them to vote at work. Employers also may not include materials with paychecks that influence political opinions.

Precinct Board Rules

Precinct board members may not try to learn how a voter cast their ballot or share if they become aware of it.

These rules come from Chapter 6 of Division 18 of the California Elections Code.