Political

Election Brings Record Voter Turnouts

Wednesday, November 11th, 2020

By Catherine Cluett Pactol

Last week’s General Election brought record voter turnouts across the state as well as on Molokai. Despite the fact that Hawaii promoted 100 percent mail-in ballots this year, many voters still chose to vote in person at Voter Service Centers, and long lines as the 7 pm deadline on Nov. 3 approached at many locations, caused delays in results being reported.

On Molokai, 2,824 residents cast their votes by mail, while 538 visited the Voter Service Center at the Mitchell Pauole Center to vote in person.

In the 2016 General Election, Molokai voter turnout in all precincts hovered just under 30 percent, while in 2018, it averaged in the low 20 percent range.…

Molokai Voter Service Center Now Open

Wednesday, October 21st, 2020

By Catherine Cluett Pactol

Voting looks a little different this year. Instead of seeing the ballot for the first time at the polls, Molokai residents can study their political choices in the comfort of their homes and drop their ballot in the mail when completed. But Hawaii’s mail-only voting system this year means General Election Day on Nov. 3 is coming a lot sooner for those planning to return their ballot by mail. The Hawaii Elections office is advising ballots be postmarked no later than Oct. 27 to ensure they will arrive in time, as ballots must be received by Nov.…

Voting in the General Election

Wednesday, October 7th, 2020

By Catherine Cluett Pactol

Election Day is fast approaching on Nov. 3 but with Hawaii’s fully mail-in ballot system in place this year, the deadline to cast your ballot is coming even sooner. Maui County ballot packages will be mailed to Molokai residents on Thursday, Oct. 8, according to County Clerk Kathy Kaohu.

In this general election, Molokai voters will be helping to decide the new U.S. president and vice president, along with a number of local political representatives and proposed amendments to the Maui County charter. Unlike in the primary election, voters can cast their ballot for any candidate, regardless of political party.…

DeCoite Narrowly Beats Ritte, Pending Recount

Thursday, August 13th, 2020

By Catherine Cluett Pactol

If you ever thought your vote didn’t count, Saturday’s primary election showed differently. Just 91 votes between Molokai’s incumbent District 13 Representative Lynn DeCoite and fellow Molokai resident and challenger Walter Ritte, as of press deadline Sunday. A mandatory recount was conducted Monday evening.

“In the past, candidates would have to file with the court to request a recount if they’re close,” said Maui County Clerk Kathy Kaohu. But she explained part of new mail-in voting laws call for an automatic recount of results that come within 100 votes or one quarter or one percent of the total number of votes cast, whichever is greater.…