summary
Introduced
01/22/2026
01/22/2026
In Committee
03/05/2026
03/05/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Allows voters in a primary or special primary election to vote for any candidate for any office without regard to the voter or candidate's political party preference. Advances the top two candidates in a primary or special primary election, regardless of political party, to the general election. Effective 3/22/2075. (SD1)
AI Summary
This bill, effective March 22, 2075, fundamentally changes how primary and special primary elections are conducted in Hawaii by implementing a "top-two" primary system. Under this new system, all voters, regardless of their political party affiliation or the candidate's party, can vote for any candidate in a primary or special primary election. The two candidates who receive the most votes in these primary elections, irrespective of their political party, will then advance to the general election to compete against each other. This effectively eliminates the traditional party-specific ballots and ensures that the general election will feature the two most popular candidates from the primary, regardless of party.
Committee Categories
Government Affairs, Justice
Sponsors (4)
Last Action
Recommitted to JDC. (on 03/10/2026)
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=2480&year=2026 |
| BillText | https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2026/bills/SB2480_SD1_.HTM |
| Committee Report SB2480_SD1_SSCR2822_ | https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2026/CommReports/SB2480_SD1_SSCR2822_.pdf |
| SB2480_TESTIMONY_JDC_02-13-26_ | https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2026/Testimony/SB2480_TESTIMONY_JDC_02-13-26_.PDF |
| BillText | https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2026/bills/SB2480_.HTM |
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