Instructions for Filing Arguments and Rebuttals

Inquire about the availability of documents in accessible​ formats.​​

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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 County Voter Information Guide 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

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.

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


​​How to Title an Argument

Printed arguments submitted to voters shall be titled either “Argument in Favor of Measure ___” or “Argument Against Measure ___”, and “Rebuttal to Argument in Favor of Measure ____” or “Rebuttal to Argument Against Measure ___” respectively.


Word Count

No Argument shall exceed 300 words and no rebuttal argument shall exceed 250 words in length. Pursuant to the interpretation of Section 9 of the California Elections Code by the Voter Registration and Elections Department.

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Argument Signature Statement Form

This form is to be used to submit arguments for County measures, School District measures and Special District Measures and filed with the County of Sacramento Voter Registration and Elections Department.  

Argument/Rebuttal Signature Statement Form​

If you are submitting an argument for a municipal measure, contact your City Clerk for the municipal ballot argument form and applicable procedures.

Rebuttal Argument Signature Statement Form

Only those people who submitted an Argument may file a rebuttal argument.  It is filed with the County of Sacramento Voter Registration and Elections Department. If you have questions, please contact the Candidates and Campaigns Department​ at (916) 875-6276 or voters-campaignservices@saccounty.gov.

Argument/Rebuttal Signature Statement Form​​

If you are submitting a rebuttal argument for a municipal measure, contact your City Clerk for the municipal ballot rebuttal argument form and applicable procedures.


Where to File Arguments

All arguments and rebuttal arguments both in favor of and against a County ballot measure (a measure placed on the ballot by the County of Sacramento Board of Supervisors), a School District measure or a Special District measure shall be submitted in writing to the following address:

County of Sacramento Registrar of Voters
Voter Registration and Elections Department
7000 65th Street, Suite A
Sacramento, CA 95823
(916) 875-6276​

All arguments and rebuttal arguments both in favor of and against a municipal ballot measure shall be submitted in writing to the City Clerk of that city.​