Voting in Hawaiʻi
In this article you will find all the information you need to vote in Hawaiʻi. Particularly we are going to discuss the below points
- Voter eligibility
- Registration and deadlines
- What other form of voter identification can I use?
- How do I know if I’m registered to vote in Hawaiʻi?
- Find out what accommodations are given to those who cannot vote in their home state.
- What people should do if they see illegal activity
Let’s dive right in.
1. Voter eligibility
In Hawaiʻi, you are eligible to vote if you are at least 18 years of age, an U.S. citizen and a resident of the State of Hawaiʻi.
16 and 17 year olds can pre-register to vote in Hawaiʻi. When you turn 18, you will automatically be registered to vote.
If you are sentenced to a felony sentence, you cannot register and vote until your discharge. You may register and vote if you are on parole or probation. To learn more about the voting privileges of former felons, see Hawaiʻi State Constitution Article II, Section 2, and HRS §831-2
2. Registration and deadlines
You should register to vote before the deadline. To find your voter registration deadlines, see the State of Hawaiʻi Elections Office
Online Voter Registration here:
https://olvr.hawaii.gov/Default.aspx?redir=1
Paper Voter Registration Applications must be submitted to your County Elections Division by:
Primary Election: August 3, 2022 at 4:30 P.M.
General Election: October 31, 2022 at 4:30 P.M.
Paper Registration
Hawaiʻi Voter Application here– English
Hawaiʻi Voter Application here– Chinese
Hawaiʻi Voter Application here – Ilocano
Hawaiʻi Voter Application here – Tagalog
Instructions:
- Print the Voter Registration Application.
- Complete the application and sign the affirmation statement.
- Submit completed application to your County Elections Division.
Paper Voter Registration Applications are also available at the following locations:
- U.S. Post Offices
- State Libraries
- Satellite City Halls
- Most State Agencies
- County Elections
- Divisions
- Office of Elections
Voters who are away from their Hawaiʻi residence during the election may submit an Absentee Application to have their ballot mailed to an alternate mailing address for the primary election, general election, or both.
Deadline to request an absentee mail ballot from the Clerk’s Office:
Primary Election: August 6, 2022 at 4:30 P.M.
General Election: November 1, 2022 at 4:30 P.M.
The affidavit on the Absentee Ballot Application includes a statement for voters with special needs to request an electronic ballot be emailed each election.
Paper Absentee Application – English
Paper Absentee Application – Chinese
Paper Absentee Application – Ilocano
Paper Absentee Application – Tagalog
3. What other form of voter identification can I use?
For purposes of registering to vote, there is no address-matching requirement. If your Hawaiʻi Driver License or Hawaiʻi State ID contains an old address, the ID is still acceptable, and you may use the ID number to complete the voter registration application. The ID is used to verify your identity, not your residence or mailing address.
You are only required to provide additional proof of identification if all of the following apply: (1) you are registering to vote for the first time in the State of Hawaiʻi; (2) you are mailing in the application and; (3) you are unable to provide a Hawaiʻi Driver License, Hawaiʻi State ID, or Social Security Number on the application.
Proof of identification includes a copy of:
- A current and valid photo ID; or
- A current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document that shows the applicant’s name and address.
4. How do I know if I'm registered to vote in Hawaiʻi?
You need to show a photo ID and provide a current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck or government check when you register to vote for the first time.
If you’re pre-registered, you will need to provide ID when you go to your polling place or send in your mail-in ballot. Proof of identification is required by law.
You can check your update or confirm your voter registration information here.
5. Find out what accommodations are given to those who cannot vote in their home state.
Hawaiʻi will go to great lengths to ensure as many people as possible are able to vote, including providing assistance if they need it.
All voters in Hawaiʻi now have the ability to vote by mail-in ballot. If you are a military member or are living overseas, use the FVAP website to request an absentee ballot.
For information regarding voting assistance for Military and Overseas voters:
The Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA) establishes provisions for absent uniformed service members and U.S. citizens residing outside the country to register and vote, please visit
https://elections.hawaii.gov/voting/military-and-overseas-voters/ for complete information.
Voters who are away from their Hawaiʻi residence during the election may submit an Absentee Application to have their ballot mailed to an alternate mailing address for the primary election, general election, or both.
Completed applications must be submitted to the voter’s County Elections Division at least seven (7) days prior to the election.
Deadline to request an absentee mail ballot from the Clerk’s Office:
Primary Election: August 6, 2022 at 4:30 P.M.
General Election: November 1, 2022 at 4:30 P.M.
The affidavit on the Absentee Ballot Application includes a statement for voters with special needs to request an electronic ballot be emailed each election.
Paper Absentee Application – English
Paper Absentee Application – Chinese
Paper Absentee Application – Ilocano
Paper Absentee Application – Tagalog
For individuals needing assistance, people can fill out a registration form and send it or someone can do it at the voting booth. A voter may get help voting but cannot see who is voting and may not help fill out the ballot, unless authorized by the individual.
Direct-recording electronic voting machines can offer privacy and accessibility for people with disabilities.
If you require special assistance (i.e. large print, taped materials, etc.) contact the Office of Elections at 453-VOTE (8683).
The County Elections Divisions handle voter registration; mailing and receipt of ballots, including replacement ballots; as well as voter service centers and places of deposit. You can find the contact information for your Countyʻs Elections Division here
6. What people should do if they see illegal activity
To report voting violations, call the State of Hawaiʻi Office of Elections, or to report voter fraud, contact the U.S. Department of Justice.
If you feel like your voting rights have been violated, you can ask a lawyer experienced in the field.
PS. Vote for Gary Cordery for Governor 2022. Gary Cordery is a servant leader. Hawaiʻi needs a governor who is willing to fight for the people: someone who honors others first, pursues the truth, and protects the liberty of all.