Aloha State News

Common Cause Hawaii has urged county election administrators to increase the number of Voter Service Centers and Drop Boxes across the state. This call comes as a response to the introduction of a new "Voting Location Siting Tool," developed by the University of Southern California’s Center for Inclusive Democracy. The tool is an interactive map that identifies optimal locations for voting centers, aiming to ensure accessible and equitable elections.

Sandy Ma, Executive Director of Common Cause Hawaii, stated, "No matter where you live, every voter deserves equal access to the ballot box and the Voting Location Siting Tool makes that idea a reality." She highlighted issues from 2020 when insufficient in-person voting locations led to long lines and delays. Ma emphasized the importance of distributing Voter Service Centers and Drop Boxes equitably to encourage participation from Native Hawaiians and disadvantaged communities.

After reviewing current locations with the Voting Location Siting Tool, Common Cause Hawaii recommended additional sites:

- City and County of Honolulu: 6 more Voter Service Centers in Waianae, Nanakuli, Ewa Beach, Pearl City, Laie, Waimanalo; 3 more Drop Box locations in Nanakuli, Laie, Waimanalo.

- Maui County: 3 more Voter Service Centers in Lahaina, Kihei, Makawao.

- Kauai County: 2 more Voter Service Centers in Poipu/Koloa area and Anahola.

- Hawaii County: 4 more Voter Service Centers in Pahoa, Waimea, Volcano, Honokaa.

The total recommendation includes 15 additional Voter Service Centers and 3 additional Drop Box locations. By law, each county in Hawaii must have at least one Voter Service Center ten days before Election Day. However, counties can operate extra centers with varied schedules based on local needs.

The Voting Location Siting Tool uses a web-based data mapping system that considers demographic data and historical voting patterns. This helps election officials optimize site selection for both mail-in and in-person voting options.

Hawaii's primary election is set for August 13, 2022. Ballots are expected by July 26 with a single required Voter Service Center opening on August 1. The general election will occur on November 8 with ballots arriving October 21 and a required center opening on October 25.