San Francisco Prepares for Recall Election of Supervisor Joel Engardio as Ballots Are Distributed to Voters

Recalls Loom as San Francisco Supervisor Faces Election

In a significant political development, residents of District 4 in San Francisco are preparing for a recall election involving their Supervisor, Joel Engardio. The city’s Department of Elections announced on Tuesday that approximately 50,000 ballots will soon be dispatched to voters within the district.

Ballot Details and Voting Process

The U.S. Postal Service is set to commence the distribution of vote-by-mail packets this week, marking the lead-up to the election scheduled for September 16. This election will exclusively concern District 4 residents, encompassing neighborhoods such as the Sunset, Outer Sunset, Parkside, Lakeshore, and Merced Manor.

Each ballot packet will be available in four languages: English, Chinese, Spanish, and Filipino. Voters can expect the following items included within their packets:

• A printed ballot
• A postage-paid return envelope
• Voting instructions
• A Voter Information Pamphlet

According to John Arntz, the elections director, “Voters have several convenient options for returning their ballots.” Residents can submit their completed ballots through the mail, deliver them to the Department of Elections office at City Hall, or utilize one of three drop boxes located at:

1. Ortega Branch Library
2. Parkside Branch Library
3. City Hall

Starting from August 18, voters will also have the opportunity to cast their votes in person, with early voting available at City Hall. On Election Day, 20 polling stations will be established across the district.

Context of the Recall Election

The recall effort gained momentum earlier this year when a petition against Supervisor Engardio was validated following the submission of over 10,000 legitimate signatures. Engardio, who assumed office in 2022, has faced escalating criticism concerning his support for Proposition K, a measure that restricts automotive access to a two-mile stretch of the upper Great Highway, transforming it into a park area. While the proposition received 54% approval citywide during the previous November election, opposition was particularly pronounced within the Sunset and Richmond districts.

This significant traffic alteration became effective on March 14, triggering further discontent among localized residents. The organizers of the recall initiative expressed their sentiments, stating, “We didn’t ask for this fight – but we won’t back down from it either. He betrayed the Westside. Now the people get their say.”

In response to the ongoing controversies, Engardio expressed his confidence regarding the recall, asserting, “I’m confident Sunset voters will reject this recall. I hear from many residents who appreciate having a supervisor who shows up and delivers. I will campaign hard every day and continue to show up for District 4 so I can serve my community for my full term.”

Election Timeline Overview

As the election approaches, additional information on voter registration and further election-related resources can be accessed through the San Francisco Department of Elections website.