Instructions for Filing Arguments and Rebuttals

Primary arguments for or against local ballot measures may be submitted in writing for printing and distribution to the voters, pursuant to provisions of the California Elections Code. Rebuttals by authors of said arguments may be filed in like manner. The Sample Ballot & Official Voter Information Pamphlet will contain, if submitted, the following for each measure: argument in favor; argument against; rebuttal to argument in favor; and rebuttal to argument against.

Who Can File Arguments

Primary Argument: The governing body of the local jurisdiction or any member or members of that governing body, or any individual voter who is eligible to vote on the measure, or bona fide association of citizens, or any combination of these voters and associations may file a written argument for or against any measure.

If the City Clerk receives more than one argument for and/or against the measures within the time prescribed, the City Clerk shall select one of the arguments in favor and one of the arguments against the measure for printing and distribution to the voters, as established by Elections Code Section 9287.

In selecting the argument the City Clerk shall give preference and priority in the order named to the arguments of the following:

1. The legislative body of the City, or any member or members thereof authorized by the body.
2. Bona fide association of citizens.
3. Individual voters who are eligible to vote on the measure.

Rebuttal Arguments: When an argument in favor and an argument against a measure have been selected, the City Clerk will notify the authors of those arguments in order for them to prepare and submit rebuttal arguments. The authors of the primary arguments may also choose to authorize in writing any other person or persons to prepare, submit or sign the rebuttal argument.

Authorization Form for Change in Signers of Rebuttal Arguments(PDF, 961KB)

How to Title an Argument

Printed arguments submitted to voters shall be titled as follows:

“Argument in Favor of Measure ___” or “Argument Against Measure ___”,

“Rebuttal to Argument in Favor of Measure ____” or “Rebuttal to Argument Against Measure ___”

Word Count

No primary argument shall exceed 300 words and no rebuttal argument shall exceed 250 words in length. Pursuant to the interpretation of Section 9 of the Elections Code by the Registration & Elections Division.

Ballot Arguments

This form is to be used to submit arguments for City of South San Francisco measures filed with the San Mateo County Registration & Elections Division.

Arguments shall not exceed three hundred (300) words and shall be signed by not more than five (5) persons.

Rebuttal Arguments

Only those people who submitted an accepted primary argument may file a rebuttal argument.

Rebuttal arguments shall not exceed two hundred fifty (250) words and shall be signed by not more than five (5) persons; those persons may be different persons than the persons who signed the direct arguments.

Where to File Arguments

Primary and rebuttal arguments both in favor of and against a ballot measure shall be submitted in writing to the following address:

Office of the City Clerk
Rosa Govea Acosta, MMC, CPMC
400 Grand Avenue
South San Francisco, CA 94080
(650) 877-8518