Hawaii Voting Guide

Whether you’re a Democrat or Republican, you should know Hawaii’s voting eligibility rules and other requirements.

Some of the questions Hawaii voters may have include:

• Can I cast an absentee ballot?
• Does Hawaii offer early voting?
• Do I have to vote in a Hawaii primary election?
• Do Hawaiian election officials accept mail-in ballots?
• Does the Senate have special rules for registered voters with disabilities?

Read on for specific election information such as voter eligibility, voter registration deadlines, and who can participate in local and general elections.

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 (Hawaii automatically registers you to vote when you turn 18)

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.

You can check your voting status on Hawaii’s Office of Elections website.

What is Hawaii’s voter registration deadline?

If you register by paper application, you must submit your application to the County Elections Division by October 28 for the 2024 general election.

Visit the State of Hawaii’s Office of Elections to check registration deadlines for upcoming elections.

You can register online or in person at a voter service center at any time, including same-day registration on the election date.

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?

First-time voters registering to vote must show proof of identification. The various forms 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.

Are special accommodations available in Hawaii?

Hawaii strives to ensure that all voters can vote, 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 Services Center/polling place. A helper, however, may not see the voters’ ballot, may not mark the person’s ballot for them, or vote in another person’s name. Poll workers cannot ask an individual whom 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 must 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.

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

• Report complaints to the State of Hawaii Office of Elections
• Report voting law violations to 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

Meeting with a lawyer can help you understand your options and protect your voting rights. Visit our attorney directory to find a lawyer near you who can help.