Ballot recommendations

For each election, LWVSF reviews the local ballot measures, also called propositions. Unlike some other groups, we don't hold meetings for proponents and opponents to present their views. Instead, we make ballot recommendations, also known as election endorsements, based on the League’s positions and principles.

We're nonpartisan, which means we do not support or oppose any political parties or candidates. Our nonpartisan stance adds strength to our positions on issues and makes possible the wide interest in our election endorsements on ballot measures.

Our nonpartisan analysis of ballot measures begins with the dedicated volunteers on our Advocacy Committee, who gather information, do outreach, and conduct research. They write recommendations for whether LWVSF should support or oppose each measure. Sometimes we have competing positions and are 'neutral' on a measure. If we have no relevant positions, we take 'no position.' In a few situations, such as recalls and declarations of policy, we have 'no recommendation.' Finally, our board of directors votes on whether to accept or not accept the recommendations, and we publish our election endorsements.

Our positions are what drive our ballot recommendations. We've developed these positions over the years using grassroots member study and consensus by the national, state, Bay Area, and San Francisco levels of the League. We have positions on issues as varied as the environment, transportation, housing, and governance.