Hawaii Election Officials Face Scrutiny Over Ballot Count Discrepancies and Missing Records

The recent Elections Commission meeting in Hawaii revealed serious concerns regarding the integrity of the 2024 general election, particularly surrounding mail-in voting procedures. The investigation, led by the Public Integrity Group (PIG), highlighted significant discrepancies in ballot counts across various counties, raising alarms about the reliability of the election process.

One of the most pressing issues discussed was the mismatch between the number of ballot envelopes reported and those actually collected. For instance, Hawaii County reported 19,042 fewer ballot envelopes than the number of mail-in ballots counted, leading to questions about the legitimacy of the additional ballots that appeared in the Statewide Voter Registration System (SVRS) without a physical paper trail. Despite assurances from county officials that all envelopes were accounted for, no documentation was provided to substantiate these claims.

Kauai County faced similar scrutiny, with reports of altered collection records and discrepancies in ballot counts. The PIG investigation uncovered that Kauai County had amended its records without clear explanations, further complicating the verification process. The lack of transparency and accountability in both counties has raised concerns among residents about the security of their votes.

Maui and Honolulu counties also failed to provide adequate records documenting ballot envelope collections, with officials attributing these omissions to human error. However, the absence of a verifiable paper audit trail directly contradicts state regulations, undermining public confidence in the election process.

The PIG's findings suggest that the current election oversight structure is incapable of self-regulation, prompting recommendations for an independent audit of all ballot envelopes and mail-in ballots. Additionally, the group advocates for a return to in-person voting with paper ballots on election day, citing the need for greater transparency and accountability in the electoral process.

The meeting concluded with calls for the termination of Chief Elections Officer Scott Nago, who has been criticized for failing to adhere to statutory requirements and for fostering a culture of secrecy within the office. The PIG emphasized the necessity for a new leader who would prioritize public trust and ensure compliance with election laws.

As Hawaii moves forward, the implications of these findings could reshape the future of voting in the state, highlighting the critical need for transparency and integrity in the electoral process.