Elections Commission asks legislature to direct state auditor to audit 2024 election; scope later expanded statewide

The Hawaii State Elections Commission voted to ask the state Legislature to request an audit by the state auditor of the 2024 general election processes, and later expanded the request to cover all counties.

Commissioner Lindsay (motion author) moved that the commission refer the matter to the Legislature and request that it direct the State Auditor to conduct an audit of the Office of Elections focused on ballot accountability, chain of custody and other records related to the 2024 general election. The motion was prompted by findings in permitted-interaction group reports and public testimony expressing concern about discrepancies between county records and statewide totals.

During debate, commissioners and members of the public said they wanted an independent verification of the statewide vote counts and chain-of-custody documentation. Commissioner Cushni said in remarks that verification requires cross-checking independent records such as United States Postal Service receipts against state records to ensure envelopes received match ballots counted.

Commissioners approved the request to the Legislature and then voted to expand the request beyond the Kauai-focused inquiry to seek a statewide audit covering all four counties. Supporters said the broader scope would allow the state auditor to examine county-level practices, chain-of-custody documentation, and reconciliation procedures. Some commissioners urged that the state auditor could contract outside firms if necessary to ensure independence.

The actions do not compel the state auditor; they are a formal request to the Legislature that the commission cannot itself enforce. The commission also heard dozens of public comments calling for an external, independent audit rather than an internal review.

The commission recorded the motions and votes and directed staff to notify the Legislature of the formal request.