Multilingual Election Guides Distributed Across City
The 24-page print issues are available at local cafes and libraries ahead of the November 3 election.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Elections
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Residents in the Excelsior and beyond are finding new multilingual election guides in local laundromats, cafes, and senior housing. Mission Local distributed 30,000 copies of a special 24-page print issue last week to help voters access information.
Why it matters
The guide aims to reach San Franciscans who may be isolated from election news due to language barriers or lack of reliable computer access. It arrives as the city approaches the November 3 election, offering a non-digital option for voters to review candidates and measures.
Mission Local distributed 30,000 print copies of its election guide, split evenly into 10,000 copies each for English, Spanish, and Chinese speakers. The reach of this 24-page publication compared to digital engagement remains unknown.
The players
Mission Local
A local news publication that produced and distributed the multilingual election print issue.
Excelsior Action Group
A local community organization that provided funding for the print run.
Monkeybrains
A local internet service provider that contributed funding for the project.
Xueer Lu
The designer responsible for the layout of the 24-page election publication.
Isaac Cannon
The person who oversaw the logistics of the distribution process across the city.
The details
Teams of reporters and staff distributed the short broadsheet issues at locations including North Beach along Columbus Avenue and Washington Square Park. The publication was funded by the Excelsior Action Group and Monkeybrains. Residents can look for these guides at neighborhood libraries, salons, and offices throughout the city.
Timeline
Distribution of the print issues began on Thursday, October 22, 2026.
Distribution concluded on Friday, October 23, 2026.
Election Day is scheduled for Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
Across the Bay
This effort parallels the San Francisco Language Access Ordinance, which requires public agencies to provide information in multiple languages. The project extends this principle by bringing critical election materials directly to community hubs rather than requiring digital navigation.
You can find these 24-page guides at neighborhood institutions like your local laundromat, senior housing facility, or corner cafe. Keep an eye out for the multilingual editions as you prepare your ballot for November 3.
The takeaway
This guide provides a portable, offline resource for voters heading to the polls on November 3. Check your local library or community center if you still need a copy to review your ballot choices.
Further reading
Find more details on how to prepare for the upcoming ballot in our Elections section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Mission Local.
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