General Information
Hawaii has a "no excuses" absentee voting law. Any properly registered voter may request an absentee ballot by mail or vote early (absentee walk in) for any reason.
Voters desiring to vote by absentee mail ballot must apply each election year.
Absentee by Mail
Application for Absentee Ballot
Applications for absentee ballots are not accepted at this time. Applications will be made available later prior to the 2010 elections. Applications must be received no later than seven (7) days prior to the election.
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The application form will be available 60 days prior to the election.
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How to Vote by Absentee Mail
Absentee mail voters will be mailed a ballot packet containing the following items:
- A ballot;
- Secrecy envelope (yellow);
- Ballot Return Envelope; and
- Miscellaneous voting instructions
State Constitutional Amendment and City Charter Amendment informational materials will not be mailed with your ballot. You may access information on those items via our website
here or call to request a printed copy.
Steps for Casting an Absentee Mail Ballot
- Review both sides of the ballot(s) and all enclosed instructional material. Mark your choices on a separate paper first.
- Vote by darkening the voting position next to your choice completely with a black ink pen.
- Remove the ballot stub carefully along the perforation.
- Place the voted ballot into the yellow secrecy envelope and seal the envelope.
- Place the yellow secrecy envelope into the white Ballot Return Envelope (business reply). If you received instructions to provide a copy of identification with your voted ballot, enclose copies of identification. Seal the envelope.
- SIGN the affirmation statement on the Ballot Return Envelope. Your ballot will NOT be counted if the affirmation statement is not signed.
- Mail the envelope in time so that it is received not later than 6:00 p.m. on election day. By state law, any absentee mail ballot received after 6:00 p.m. on election day will not be counted.
Spoiled Absentee Mail Ballots
Mistakes can and do happen. Please avoid losing your ballot, spilling liquids on the materials, and marking incorrect choices on your absentee ballot as mistakes can take time to remedy.
Preserve the secrecy of your vote by not leaving it out for others to view. If you do make a mistake, call our office for a replacement ballot.
Depending on the circumstances (i.e. timing, etc..) our staff will suggest an appropriate remedy to allow you to cast your vote. However, be aware that depending upon the timing and circumstances, the remedy may involve appearing personally to obtain a replacement absentee ballot packet or voting at one of the early walk-in voting locations.
Early (Absentee Walk In) Voting
Hawaii law also allows voters to cast an absentee ballot early in person. Absentee polling sites are open approximately 10 working days prior to the election. All voting must occur at the site and ballots may not be removed from the absentee polling place. For more information on dates, times, and locations, click
here.
Certain areas within 200 feet around the absentee polling place are off
limits to campaign activity. Refer to posted signs at the location.
Please remember to bring an I.D. to the absentee polling place. Acceptable forms of I.D. include:
- State issued drivers license;
- State issued identification card;
- Valid Passport; or
- a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, government document, or paycheck bearing your name and current address.
Upon your arrival at the absentee polling place, we will instruct you to complete the appropriate application forms and re-registration forms, if necessary.
Uniformed and Overseas Citizens
Uniformed and Overseas Citizens are assured their voting rights under Federal law. Individual circumstances will determine voting eligibility. For more information, visit the Federal Voting Assistance Program's website located at our Links section.
