Hawaii Voting Guide

Welcome to FindLaw’s Hawaii Voter Guide. We’ll answer your questions about voter registration, early voting, and absentee voting. We will also explain how to find your polling place, what to bring to the polls, and what to do if you see illegal activity at the voting locations. 

Whether you’re a Democrat, a Republican, or a member of neither party, you should know Hawaii’s voting eligibility rules and other requirements. This guide will address questions about absentee ballots, early voting, voters with disabilities, and mail-in ballots. You’ll also learn about voter eligibility, voter registration deadlines, and who can participate in local and general elections.

If you believe your voting rights have been violated, contact a Hawaii civil rights attorney. They can review your situation and help you understand your options under Hawaii law.

Who Is Eligible To Vote in Hawaii?

To be eligible to vote in Hawaii, you must meet specific criteria. Some of the requirements for voting in the State of Hawaii include:

• You must be a U.S. citizen
• You must be a resident of Hawaii
• You must be 18 years old

Effective in 2027, Hawaii will automatically register you to vote when you apply for or renew a driver’s license or state identification card, unless you opt out.

You will be excluded from registering and voting if you’re serving a felony conviction. You can register and vote if you are on parole or probation. To learn more about voting rights for former felons, see Article II of the state constitution.

If you’re unsure of your voting status, you can check on the Hawaii Office of Elections website.

Where Do I Vote?

Hawaii mails ballots to all registered voters, but you can still vote in person. Get polling location information at the Hawaiian government’s Voting and Elections portal. Voter Service Center hours in Hawaii are from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day.

What Is Hawaii’s Voter Registration Deadline?

If you register by paper application, it must be submitted to the County Elections Division no later than 10 days before each election. You can register online with the State of Hawaii Office of Elections at any time, including on Election Day.

If you miss the paper deadline, same-day registration is available at any Voter Service Center beginning 10 business days before the election and running through Election Day. You can register and vote in person on the same day.

How Does Mail-In Voting Work in Hawaii?

Hawaii is a universal vote-by-mail state. Every registered voter automatically receives a ballot packet in the mail before each election. No application is required. Ballots are typically mailed at least 18 days before the election.

Once you have filled out the ballot and picked your candidates, you have two options for returning your ballot. You can return it by mailing it back using the postage-paid return envelope included with your packet. You can also drop it off at an official ballot drop box in your county.

The County Elections Division should have all voted ballots on or before 7:00 p.m. on Election Day. Drop boxes close at that time.

If you need your ballot sent to a different address, you can submit an Absentee Ballot Application to your County Elections Division. The absentee ballot application should be submitted no later than seven days before the election.

Military members and overseas voters can use the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) to register and request a ballot. The FVAP website provides the form and state-specific guidance for completing and submitting it.

Can I Request an Absentee Ballot in Hawaii?

Hawaii allows all voters to vote by mail and sends ballots to all registered voters before elections. If you are a military member or live overseas, use the FVAP website to request an absentee ballot or mail ballot.

Once you choose your candidates, drop your ballot packet in a local drop box. You can also mail your voted ballot back to the local election office.

What Do I Need To Bring to the Polls in Hawaii?

When registering to vote for the first time, Hawaiians must show proof of identification. Types of acceptable identification include:

• Current photo ID
• Hawaii driver’s license
• Voter ID card
• State ID
• Current utility bill
• Bank statement
• Paycheck or government check
• Other government documents showing your name and address

If you didn’t provide proof of identification when you applied, you must do so at the polling place or with your mail-in ballot.

Your Rights as a Hawaii Voter

Hawaii law provides several protections to ensure every eligible voter can participate in an election.

• Same-day registration: If you miss the standard registration deadline, you can still register and vote in person on Election Day at any Voter Service Center. Service centers open 10 business days before each election and remain open through Election Day.
• Replacement ballots: If you made a mistake on your ballot, you can request a replacement by contacting your County Elections Division. You can also visit a Voter Service Center in person.
• Voting in person: Hawaii mails ballots to all registered voters, but you are not required to vote by mail. Voter Service Centers are open for in-person voting beginning 10 business days before Election Day and continuing through Election Day. Specific locations and hours are announced by each county closer to the election.

It’s up to you whether to vote by mail or in person.

Are Special Accommodations Available in Hawaii?

Hawaii strives to ensure that all voters can cast their ballots, regardless of permanent or temporary disabilities. Election officials and poll workers can help with voter registration, voting by mail, and voting in person.

Voters can also receive assistance at the Voter Service Center or polling place. A helper may not see the voter’s ballot, mark the person’s ballot for them, or vote in another person’s name. Poll workers cannot ask an individual who they voted for. Voter Service centers have direct-recording electronic voting machines that ensure privacy and accessible voting for people with various disabilities.

What Should I Do if I Witness Something Illegal at the Polls?

If you witness improper activity at the polling place, you should report it. Some of the behaviors you may encounter include:

• Voter intimidation
• Harassment
• Voter fraud

You should also report any issues you experience at your voting location. For example, let someone know if you did not receive the assistance you needed to vote.

Hawaii law does not restrict who may return a mail ballot on behalf of another voter. If you have questions about returning a ballot for someone else, contact your County Elections Division for guidance.

Electioneering within 200 feet of the perimeter of ballot drop boxes and Voter Service Centers is illegal. Electioneering includes displaying campaign signs, soliciting votes, or distributing campaign materials. Interfering with voters attempting to deposit their ballots, or tampering with drop boxes in any way, is a violation of state election law.

When reporting suspicious or unfair behavior, you have the following options:

• The State of Hawaii Office of Elections
• The U.S. Department of Justice

Contact an attorney experienced in voting law if you feel someone has violated your voting rights.

A Hawaii Civil Rights Lawyer Can Help

Voting rights violations can range from intimidation at the polls to being turned away from casting a ballot. If you believe something went wrong during the voting process or need help in understanding your voting rights, contact a civil rights attorney. They can review what happened, explain your rights under Hawaii law, and help you determine the appropriate next steps if your rights are violated. FindLaw’s free attorney directory can help you find a civil rights lawyer in Hawaii.