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Commission requests Legislature to study returning to single‑day, in‑person paper‑ballot voting
Summary
After lengthy public testimony and PIG findings about chain of custody and counts, the commission voted to request that the Legislature consider returning to single‑day, in‑person, paper‑ballot voting where ballots are counted at the precinct.
The Hawaii State Elections Commission voted to request the Legislature to consider returning to single‑day, in‑person paper‑ballot voting and precinct-level hand counts, with limited absentee or military exceptions.
Following hours of public testimony — including repeated calls from civic groups, election observers and members of the public — Commissioners approved a motion to ask the Legislature to evaluate a return to in‑person voting on a single day with paper ballots counted at the precinct where they are cast. Advocates told the commission that in‑person, hand‑counted ballots would reduce potential chain-of-custody gaps associated with universal mail‑in and drop‑box systems.
Opponents, including some commissioners and staff, argued that mail‑in ballots increase access and that in‑person voting would present barriers to working voters unless staffing and site availability are expanded. The Hawaii State LGBTQ+ Commission and other public speakers urged retention of mail‑in voting for accessibility and cited logistical concerns for working people.
After debate, the commission approved the motion as an advisory position to the Legislature and directed staff to include the recommendation in materials sent to lawmakers. Commissioners also asked that any transition planning address accessibility, staffing and county-level implementation challenges.
The motion does not alter current election law; it is a formal request for legislative study and potential action.
