Hawaii holds statewide elections in even-numbered years, with the primary election taking place on the second Saturday in August and the general election on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November. For anyone interested in participating in the democratic process in Hawaii, understanding the election schedule and procedures is key. And for those following from afar, especially from the mainland US, knowing what time it is in Hawaii right now can be helpful to keep track of deadlines and election results as they unfold in the islands.
View the election calendar for specific dates and deadlines.
Hawaii conducts elections primarily by mail, a system established through Act 136, SLH 2019. This means all registered voters automatically receive their ballots in the mail approximately 18 days before each election. Ballots are sent to the mailing address associated with your voter registration. It’s crucial to ensure your voter registration is up-to-date, especially if you’ve recently moved. You can register or update your registration information at the Voter Registration portal.
Understanding Primary and General Elections in Hawaii
Primary Election: The primary election serves to narrow down the field of candidates. It’s where voters choose candidates to represent political parties in the general election. Independent candidates can also advance to the general election if they meet specific qualifications for nonpartisan candidates in partisan contests.
Hawaii’s election system is unique in that voters do not declare a political party affiliation when registering, protecting every voter’s right to a secret ballot. However, in the primary election, voters are required to select a political party ballot and can only vote for candidates within that chosen party, in addition to non-partisan races.
It’s important to note that all voters, regardless of party selection in the primary, can vote for candidates for the Office of Hawaiian Affairs and county-level contests.
General Election: The general election is a candidate contest where voters can choose their preferred candidate regardless of political party affiliation. This is where voters make their final selections for federal, state, county, and Office of Hawaiian Affairs positions. Additionally, voters will decide on any State Constitutional Amendments or Charter Amendments that may be on the ballot.
Presidential Elections in Hawaii
Hawaii does not hold a presidential preference primary. Instead, political parties in Hawaii conduct presidential caucuses independently to nominate their candidates for president and vice-president. For information on participating in these caucuses, you should contact the qualified political parties in Hawaii directly. The Electoral College ultimately elects the President and Vice President of the United States. You can learn more about the Electoral College on the Hawaii Office of Elections website.
Alt Text: The Hawaii State Capitol building rotunda in Honolulu, representing the center of government and elections.
Ranked-Choice Voting in Special Elections
Hawaii utilizes ranked-choice voting in specific circumstances. Any federal election held outside the regular primary or general election dates, as well as any special election for a vacant county council seat, will use ranked-choice voting. This is mandated by HRS § 11-100.
Understanding Ranked-Choice Voting: Ranked-choice voting allows voters to rank candidates in order of preference. The tabulation process occurs in rounds. If a candidate receives a majority of votes (50% plus one) in the first round, they win. If no candidate achieves a majority, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated. Votes cast for the eliminated candidate are then redistributed to the voters’ next-ranked choice among the remaining candidates. This process continues until a candidate secures a majority. Detailed procedures for each round are outlined in HRS §§ 11-110(b)-(d).
Registering to Vote in Hawaii
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 16 years old. (Individuals 16 and 17 years old can pre-register and will be automatically registered upon turning 18).
Learn more about Voter Registration and how to register.
Voting by Mail in Detail
Maintaining an Updated Voter Registration: Since ballots are mailed, it’s vital to keep your voter registration information current. If you move, change your mailing address, or legally change your name, you must update your voter registration. You can verify your registration status online or by contacting your County Elections Division.
Receiving Your Ballot Packet: Expect to receive your mail ballot packet at least 18 days before Election Day. The packet includes your ballot, a ballot secrecy sleeve, and a prepaid postage return envelope. Voters with special needs can request an accessible electronic ballot through the Voter Registration Application or by contacting their County Elections Division. More information on accessible electronic ballots is available here.
Returning Your Voted Ballot: You can return your ballot by mail or in person at designated drop-off locations within your county. Crucially, voted ballots must be received by your County Elections Division by 7:00 p.m. Hawaiian Time on Election Day to be counted. For those on the mainland, remember the time difference when considering deadlines – What Time Is It In Hawaii Right Now becomes a practical question as Election Day approaches.
Tracking Your Ballot: You can track the status of your ballot – whether it has been mailed to you and received back – by contacting your County Elections Division. Additionally, you can sign up for BallotTrax to receive automatic ballot notifications.
Ballot Processing: Upon receiving your returned ballot envelope, your County Elections Division will validate your signature to confirm your identity. Once validated, your ballot is forwarded to state election officials for counting.
Voting at a Voter Service Center: County Elections Divisions operate Voter Service Centers for 10 days leading up to and including Election Day. These centers offer accessible in-person voting and same-day voter registration. If you require special assistance, such as large print materials, contact the Office of Elections at 453-VOTE (8683).
Alt Text: A close-up of a hand depositing a mail-in ballot into an official election drop box, emphasizing secure ballot return in Hawaii elections.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hawaii Elections
How do I vote? Ensure you are a registered voter. You will automatically receive your ballot by mail. Review the instructions, contests, and candidates on your ballot and make your selections. Fold your ballot, insert it into the secrecy sleeve, then place the sleeve in the return envelope. Sign the return envelope – your ballot cannot be counted without your signature. Return your ballot by mail or drop it off at a designated location. Your voted ballot must be received by 7:00 pm Hawaiian Time on Election Day.
When can I expect to receive my ballot? You should receive your mail ballot packet at least 18 days prior to the election.
What if I didn’t receive my ballot? Contact your County Elections Division, and they will issue a replacement ballot.
What if I make a mistake on my ballot? Request a replacement ballot from your County Elections Division if you make a mistake, misplace, or damage your original ballot.
Will my vote still count if I didn’t vote in all contests? Yes, your ballot will still be counted even if you leave some contests blank.
Can I change my mind after I’ve returned my ballot? No. Once your returned ballot is received by the County Elections Division, it is considered cast and cannot be changed.
Why do I have to sign the return ballot envelope? Your signature is essential for verifying your identity as the voter. It is compared to the signature on file in your voter registration record. An unsigned return envelope means your ballot will not be counted.
How can I receive my ballot if I’m on vacation or away at college? You can request to have your ballot mailed to an alternate address by completing an absentee application and specifying the desired mailing address.
Can I still vote in-person? Yes, in-person voting is available at Voter Service Centers in each county. These centers are open for 10 days before and on Election Day, offering in-person voting, same-day registration, and accessible voting options.
Understanding Hawaii’s election process, especially the vote-by-mail system and deadlines in Hawaii Standard Time, ensures every eligible voter can participate effectively. Remember to stay informed about election dates and deadlines by checking the official Hawaii Office of Elections website.
Last Updated: April 8, 2024
