FAQs
GENERAL INFORMATION
Q: Why are we voting by mail?
A: In 2019, the State of Hawaii switched to the vote by mail election model. See Act 136, SLH 2019.
Q: Where is my polling place?
A: As of 2019, traditional polling places are no longer established, Voter Service Centers will be available for accessible voting and other in-person voter services.
Q: How do I change political parties?
A:Party affiliation is not collected for recorded for voter registration in the State of Hawaii. If you have a political party membership question, please contact the party directly.
Q: What kind of Primary Election does Hawaii hold?
A: The State of Hawaii Constitution provides for the secrecy of your political party preference. Because of this, a political party affiliation/declaration is not required at the time of registering to vote. In the Primary Election, you will be provided a single ballot. You will be instructed to first select your political party before proceeding to making your candidate selections. Political party candidates will be listed in separate sections on the ballot. Multi-party voting is NOT allowed and voters must vote for candidates of only one political party. Hawaii does not have a presidential preference primary election. In the Primary election, voters may also vote in the special non-partisan contests (such as City contests).
VOTER REGISTRATION
Q: Do I need to register to vote?
A: Yes. Voter registration is required for new voters. It is also required of registered voters that have changed a name and/or address.
Q: When is the voter registration deadline?
A: You can register to vote up to the 10th day before the election. Voter registration application forms must be postmarked or received before the deadline.
Q: What are the qualifications for registering to vote?
A: Registrants must be a U.S. Citizen, a Hawaii resident, and at least 16 years old (pre-registration).
Q: How do I find out if I am registered to vote?
A: Notice of Voter Registration postcards are mailed in April of regularly scheduled election years. You are properly registered to vote if you receive this postcard. You may also call the Elections Division at 768-3800 for verification.
Q: How does voter registration affect selection for jury duty?
A: By Hawaii law, the jury duty pool is derived from voter registration, drivers licensing, and State tax records.
Q: Is a residence address required for voter registration? What if I don’t have a regular address?
A: If you do not have a residence address, a good description of the location of where you live is required. This will allow election officials to assign you to your proper voting district.
RETURNING A VOTED BALLOT
Q: Where can I view my sample ballot?
A: You may view your sample ballot at the Office of Election’s website here.
Q: Will I be mailed a candidate information brochure?
A: A Digital Voter Information Guide will be available at the State Office of Elections website here. The voter guide will include the candidate’s photograph and statement from each participating candidate.
Q: What other options do I have for returning my mail ballot?
A: You may drop off your voted ballot at any Voter Service Center or Place of Deposit provided it is received by the deadline stated above.
Q: What is the deadline to return my voted ballot?
A: State Law requires that voted ballots must be received by 7:00pm (HST) on Election Day in order to be counted.
Q: I made a mistake on my ballot. What do I need to do?
A: Do not use white out to correct a mistake. If you made a mistake on your ballot, call us (808) 786-3800 or request a replacement ballot online here.
ABSENTEE VOTING
Q: What if I am away during the election period?
A: Use the “Seasonal” Application if you will be away from home during the election period. Your ballot will be mailed to the temporary address you provide.
Q: Do I have to apply for an absentee ballot for each election?
A: You may request an absentee ballot for the Primary and General election at the same time and have them mailed to separate addresses, if needed.
Q: I am in the military and stationed in Hawaii. Can I vote by absentee ballot?
A: It depends on where you consider your residence for voting purposes. If you consider yourself a resident of another state, you should apply for an absentee ballot from that state. If you are a Hawaii resident, you may request an absentee ballot from Hawaii.
Q: When do my absentee ballots need to be returned by?
A: Voted absentee ballots must be received by 7:00pm (HST) on Election Day. According to State Law, absentee ballots received after that time will not be counted.
MAIL
Q: I received election mail for someone who no longer lives at this address. What should I do?
A: Write on the mailer, without covering the name or address: “Return to sender, not at this address”. Place it back in the mail. No postage is necessary.
CHARTER AMENDMENTS
Q: What is a Charter Amendment?
A: Charter Amendments are proposed amendments (changes) to the Honolulu City Charter.
Q: Where do I go to help me understand a Charter Amendment question?
A: A primer on the Charter Amendment questions will be available in the Digital Voter Information Guide. It will be available at the State Office of Elections website here.
Q: How are Charter Amendments passed?
A: A Charter Amendment is ratified if the “Yes” votes outnumber the “No” votes. Blank and over votes are not included in the calculation.
COUNCILMEMBER TERM LIMITS
Please refer to the Councilmember Term Limits Fact Sheet