Bill > SR89

This Resolution requests the Hawaii Office of Elections to form a working group to study the potential effects of lowering the minimum voting age in Hawaii to boost voter participation, noting that while Hawaii once had high voter turnout, it has recently been among the lowest in the nation, even with the implementation of all-mail-in ballots. The working group, to be chaired by the Chief Election Officer and include representatives from the University of Hawaii law school, the Department of Education, and a civic engagement organization, will examine the advantages and disadvantages of a lower voting age, learn from other places that have lowered their voting age, consider whether a new voting age should apply to all elections, and determine the necessary steps for implementation. Student representatives will also be invited to participate, and the group is tasked with submitting a report of its findings and recommendations to the Legislature by early 2023.