HI Passes Vote-by-Mail Bill

The State of Hawaii Passed Act 136, SLH 2019, Implementing Elections-by-Mail beginning with the 2020 Elections. All Properly Registered Voters will Automatically Receive a Mail Ballot Packet approximately 18 days prior to the Election.

Ballots are Mailed to the Voter's Mailing Address associated with their Voter Registration Record. Voters who have Moved, Changed their Name, or Mailing Address, must Update their Voter Registration. Voters may check Online or Call their Clerk's Office to Confirm that their Voter Registration is Current. Those Not Registered, can Register Online or Complete a Voter Registration Application and Submit it to their Clerk's Office.

The Mail Ballot Packet contains:

- A Ballot

- A Ballot Secrecy Sleeve

- A Return Ballot Envelope with Postage Prepaid

- Voting Instructions

If you do Not Receive your Mail Ballot Packet, Contact your Clerk's Office.

Follow these Tips to ensure that your Vote Counts:

- Before Voting, Review the Instructions, Contests, and Candidates on Both Sides of the Ballot.

- A Properly Marked Ballot Counts 100% of the Time. When Marking the Ballot, Completely Fill-In the Box to the Left of your Choice with a Black or Blue Pen.

- Voters have the Right to Spoil their Ballot. If you Change your Mind or make an Error, and have Not yet Returned your Ballot, Contact Your Clerk's Office for a Replacement Ballot.

- After Voting your Ballot, Re-Fold it and Seal it in the Secret Ballot Sleeve. The Secret Ballot Sleeve ensures your Right to Secrecy as the Ballots are Opened and Prepared for Counting. Once Sealed, Place the Secret Ballot Sleeve in the Return Envelope. Read the Affirmation Statement and Sign the Return Envelope before Returning it to the Clerk's Office. Voters must Sign the Return Envelope for the Ballot to be Counted.

Voters may Return their Ballot by Mail or In-Person at a Designated Place of Deposit. Voted Ballots must be Received by the Clerk's Office by 7:00 p.m. on Election Day:

- Voters should Mail their Voted Ballot 3-5 Days before the Election to Ensure that the Clerk's Office Receives it by the Deadline. The Return Envelope is Postage Paid via the U.S. Postal Service and Addressed to your Clerk’s Office.

- Voters may Return their Voted Ballot directly to their Clerk's Office.

- Voters may Visit, Any Voter Service Center or Place of Deposit, within their County to Drop-Off their Voted Ballot. The Clerk's Office establish Voter Service Centers that will be Open 10 Business Days prior to each Election.

- Voters may Visit any Service Center within their County should they prefer to Vote In-Person. Additionally, the Service Center will provide Accessible Voting and Same Day Registration.

Upon Receipt of your Returned Ballot Envelope, the Clerk's Office Conducts a Signature Validation. After your Signature is Validated your Ballot will be Forwarded to State Election Officials to be Counted.










NYC Wins When Everyone Can Vote! Michael H. Drucker