Voter Registration cards are mailed to registered voters through a mass mail out during Election Years. The Elections Division is not able to mail out Voter Registration cards directly from the office, therefore you should keep your Voter Registration cards that are sent to you, in case it is needed for future use.
The Elections Division is able to print out a Certificate of Registration which proves that you are a registered voter in the County of Hawai'i, but it will not include an address on it.
Can I register to vote if I am houseless?
You may register to vote if you are houseless by using the specific area where most of your time is spent as your "residence address".
If you will be away from your residence address you can complete a one time absentee application form to designate an alternate delivery address for your mail ballot. One-time Absentee requests may be made for specific elections or one election cycle.
How do I register?
To register to vote in the State of Hawai'i, you must be:
A U.S. Citizen
A resident of the State of Hawai'i
At least sixteen (16) years old.
Hawaii law allows qualified individuals to pre-register at 16 years of age. Upon reaching 18 years of age, individuals will automatically be registered and mailed a ballot.
There are 3 ways to register to vote.
Online
Must have a Valid State of Hawaii Driver’s License or State Identification Card to register.
Visit the Hilo or Kona Elections Division Office to update your Voter Registration.
How do I vote properly on my primary ballot?
The State of Hawai'i holds an open primary election to nominate candidates who will represent political parties in the general election. To vote properly on your primary ballot you would first choose the party affiliation in which you would like to vote and then vote only within that party's candidates for federal and state offices. Votes for more than one party will not be counted.
Voters may also vote for candidates for the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, county contests, and ballot questions regardless of party affiliation.
How do I vote?
You must be a registered voter to receive a ballot. All registered voters will receive their ballots in the mail. To vote, review the instructions, contests, and candidates on your ballot and make your selections. You can also leave a contest blank and it will not impact your votes.
After voting, fold the ballot and slip it into the ballot secrecy sleeve. Insert the ballot secrecy sleeve into your return envelope and be sure to sign. Your ballot cannot be counted without your signature on the return envelope.
Return your ballot by mail or by dropping it off at a place of deposit. Your voted ballot must be received by the County of Hawaii Elections Division by 7:00 pm on Election Day to be counted.
Voting assistance for Service members, their families and overseas citizens.
What if I didn't receive my ballot?
Ballot packets will be received by all properly registered voters approximately 18 days before the election. You may track your ballot at https://hawaii.ballottrax.net/voter/. If you do not receive your ballot packet, or it is lost or damaged, you may request a reissued ballot online, or contact our office at 808-961-8277.
When will I receive my ballot?
Ballot packets will be received by all properly registered voters approximately 18 days before the election. You may track your ballot at https://hawaii.ballottrax.net/voter/. If you do not receive your ballot packet, or it is lost or damaged, you may request a reissued ballot online, or contact our office at 808-961-8277.
Why do I have to sign the return ballot envelope?
Upon receipt of your return envelope, your County Elections Division validates the signature to confirm your identity. After your signature is validated, your ballot will be forwarded to state election officials to be counted.
