Bill > HB601

This bill aims to improve voter accessibility and election administration in Hawaii by addressing issues revealed during the November 5, 2024 general election. The legislation increases the number of voter service centers (VSCs) by requiring one VSC in each county council district, with the total number of centers equal to the number of county council members. All VSCs will now be required to operate during the same statewide days and hours, specifically from the tenth business day before an election during regular business hours. Each VSC must provide comprehensive services during all hours of operation, including in-person voter registration, receiving absentee and mail-in ballots, allowing in-person voting, and providing voting machine services for people with disabilities. The bill also clarifies that any voter in line at the closing of voting will be permitted to vote, and unregistered voters in line can register and vote on the same day. To support these changes, the bill appropriates funds to each of Hawaii's counties (Honolulu, Hawaii, Maui, and Kauai) for the administrative costs of operating voter service centers during fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027. The legislation is designed to address systemic inequalities in election administration and ensure a more fair, efficient, and accessible voting process.

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https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=601&year=2025