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Advocates urge automatic voter registration as supporters tout inclusion, commission raises concerns
Summary
Supporters told senators HB322 would shift Hawaii to opt‑out automatic voter registration, which advocates said would expand participation and help underrepresented groups; the State Elections Commission and some individuals submitted concerns or opposition.
House Bill 322, which would implement automatic (opt‑out) voter registration, drew support from voting rights and civic groups at a March 17 hearing, with advocates saying the change would streamline registration and broaden participation.
Michael Golojuch Jr., president of Bridal Work Hawaii, told the committee automatic registration would reduce the burden on nonprofits that run registration drives and said individuals could opt out if they did not wish to be registered. “Automatic voter registration is a much needed tool in getting ensuring our citizens have the right to vote,” he said.
Amy Zhao of Imua Alliance said automatic registration is timely amid federal challenges to voting access and argued an opt‑out system would remove barriers for survivors of exploitation and other underrepresented communities who face practical obstacles to registration.
The hearing record includes support from Common Cause Hawaii, the Green Party of Hawaii and other civic groups; the State Elections Commission and the League of Women Voters submitted comments expressing concerns. No committee vote was recorded; the committee deferred decision making on measures heard that day.
