Bill > SB176

This bill modifies Hawaii's election recount procedures in two key ways. First, it changes the rules about ballot inclusion in initial vote tabulations, allowing county clerks to include ballots they have designated for inclusion while excluding ballots that are initially deemed deficient or require additional verification time. Second, the bill increases the threshold for triggering an automatic recount by changing the percentage from one-quarter of one percent to one-half of one percent of total votes cast, while maintaining the existing provision that a recount is also triggered if the vote difference is 100 votes or less. The legislative findings indicate that this change is motivated by ensuring fair and accurate election outcomes, as most states use a recount standard of one-half of one percent. The bill aims to address situations in recent elections where races with close vote differences did not qualify for automatic recounts under the current law. The changes will take effect immediately upon approval, providing a modest adjustment to Hawaii's election recount procedures to potentially improve election transparency and accuracy.

Justice

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=176&year=2025