Hawaii holds statewide elections every even-numbered year, ensuring residents have their say in shaping their governance. Understanding the election process is crucial for every eligible voter. This guide provides essential information about Hawaii elections, empowering you to participate effectively.
View the Election Calendar for Key Dates and Deadlines. Mark your calendars and stay informed about crucial election timelines.
Hawaii conducts elections primarily by mail, thanks to Act 136, SLH 2019. Registered voters automatically receive their ballots in the mail around 18 days before Election Day. Ballots are sent to the address linked to your voter registration. To register or update your information, visit Voter Registration. It’s vital to ensure your registration details are current to receive your ballot promptly.
Primary Elections
The primary election serves to nominate candidates from political parties for the general election. Independent candidates can also qualify for the general election by meeting specific qualifications for nonpartisan candidates in partisan contests.
Hawaii maintains voter privacy by not requiring voters to declare a political affiliation upon registration, as per the Hawaii State Constitution. In the primary election, voters first choose a political party and then vote only for candidates within that chosen party.
Image alt text: Ballot being cast at a Voter Service Center in Hawaii, emphasizing accessibility and in-person voting options.
Regardless of party affiliation, all voters can vote for candidates for the Office of Hawaiian Affairs and in county-level contests.
General Elections
In contrast to primary elections, the general election is an open candidate contest. Voters can vote for any candidate of their choice, irrespective of political party affiliation. The general election ballot includes candidates for federal, state, county, and Office of Hawaiian Affairs positions. Additionally, voters decide on State Constitutional Amendments and/or Charter Amendments during general elections.
Presidential Elections
Hawaii does not hold a presidential preference primary. Instead, political parties independently organize presidential caucuses to nominate their presidential and vice-presidential candidates. For details on participating in these caucuses, contact the qualified political parties directly. The Electoral College ultimately elects the President and Vice President of the United States. Learn more about the Electoral College. Understanding the presidential election timeline and process is key to participating in national elections.
Ranked-Choice Voting
Ranked-choice voting is implemented in any federal election not coinciding with a regularly scheduled primary or general election, and for special elections for county council vacant seats, as per HRS § 11-100.
What is Ranked-Choice Voting?
“Ranked-choice voting” is a voting method where voters rank candidates by preference. Tabulation occurs in rounds, eliminating last-place candidates sequentially until a candidate secures a majority in the final round, defined by HRS §§ 11-110(e).
Specific statutory procedures are followed in each round, detailed in HRS §§ 11-110(b)-(d).
How Ranked-Choice Voting Functions
A candidate winning a majority (over 50%) in the first round is declared the winner. If no candidate achieves a majority, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated. Votes for the eliminated candidate are then redistributed based on the voters’ next preference, continuing until a candidate receives a majority.
Voter Registration: Getting Ready to Vote
To register to vote in Hawaii, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be a U.S. Citizen.
- Be a resident of Hawaii.
- Be at least sixteen (16) years old.
- Hawaii law permits pre-registration at age sixteen (16). Upon turning eighteen (18), pre-registered individuals are automatically registered and will receive their ballots.
Find out more about Voter Registration. Registering to vote is the first step in making your voice heard in Hawaii elections.
Voting by Mail: Convenience and Accessibility
Maintain an Updated Voter Registration Ballots are mailed to your registered mailing address. Updating your voter registration is essential if you move, change your mailing address, or name. Verify your registration status online or through your County Elections Division.
Receiving Your Ballot in the Mail Expect to receive your mail ballot packet at least 18 days before Election Day.
Image alt text: Example of a Hawaii mail ballot packet, showcasing the contents including ballot, secrecy sleeve, and prepaid return envelope.
The packet includes a ballot, a ballot secrecy sleeve, and a postage-prepaid return envelope. Voters with special needs can request electronic ballots via the Voter Registration Application or their County Elections Division. Learn more about accessible electronic ballots here.
Returning Your Voted Ballot Return your ballot by mail or drop it off at a designated location in your county. Ballots must be received by your County Elections Division by 7:00 p.m. on Election Day to be counted. Plan your ballot return in advance to meet this deadline.
Tracking Your Ballot Monitor your ballot status, including mailing and receipt, by contacting your County Elections Division. Sign up for BallotTrax for ballot notifications, keeping you informed throughout the process.
Processing Your Ballot Upon receiving your returned envelope, the County Elections Division verifies your signature to confirm your identity. After signature validation, your ballot proceeds to state election officials for counting, ensuring secure and accurate vote tabulation.
Voting at a Voter Service Center County Elections Divisions operate voter service centers for 10 days leading up to and including Election Day. Services include accessible in-person voting and same-day registration.
For special assistance (large print, taped materials, etc.), contact the Office of Elections at 453-VOTE (8683).
Frequently Asked Questions About Hawaii Elections
How do I cast my vote? Registration is required to receive a ballot. Upon registration, your ballot will be mailed to you. Review the ballot instructions, contests, and candidates, then make your selections. Leaving contests blank does not invalidate your ballot.
After voting, fold your ballot and place it in the secrecy sleeve. Insert the sleeve into the return envelope and sign the envelope. Your signature is essential for your vote to be counted.
Return your ballot by mail or at a designated drop-off location. Ensure your ballot is received by your County Elections Divisions by 7:00 pm on Election Day.
When should I expect my ballot to arrive? Mail ballot packets are typically sent out at least 18 days prior to Election Day, giving you ample time to vote and return your ballot.
What if I don’t receive my ballot? Contact your County Elections Division if you haven’t received your ballot. They will issue a replacement to ensure you can vote.
What if I make an error on my ballot? For mistakes, misplaced, or damaged ballots, request a replacement from your County Elections Division.
Will my vote count if I skip some races or issues? Yes, your ballot will still be counted even if you don’t vote in every contest.
Can I change my vote after returning my ballot? No. Once your ballot is received by the County Elections Division, it is considered cast and cannot be changed.
Why is my signature required on the return ballot envelope? Your signature verifies your identity as the voter. It is matched against the signature in your voter registration record. An unsigned envelope means your ballot cannot be counted.
How can I receive my ballot if I’m traveling or at college? Request an absentee ballot to be mailed to an alternate address if you’ll be away during the election period. Complete an absentee application indicating your desired mailing address.
Is in-person voting still an option? Yes, you can vote in person at any voter service center in your county. These centers are open for 10 days leading up to Election Day, offering in-person voting, same-day registration, and accessible voting options.
Last Updated: April 8, 2024
