Last Chance to Vote

By Catherine Cluett Pactol | Editor

If you haven’t already cast your ballot, there’s still time! This Saturday, Aug. 13 is the last chance to vote in the primary election. If you received a ballot in the mail and haven’t postmarked it yet, it won’t arrive in time to count now so you can drop it off in person at the Voter Service Center at Mitchell Pauole Center. You can also vote electronically through machine there or register to vote same day so you can still vote even if you’ve never done it before.

Voter Service Center hours this week are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. through Friday, Aug. 12, and 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 13.

The primary election is important because it nominates candidates who will represent each political party in November’s general election.

In one of the election’s most-watched political race, two Molokai residents face off for the District 7 Senate seat, which covers East Maui, Molokai, Lanai and Kaho’olawe. Incumbent Lynn DeCoite is being challenged by Walter Ritte, as well as Kula, Maui business owner Leo Caires. In 2020, Ritte also ran against DeCoite for her House District 13 seat. It was an incredibly tight match that was decided by less than 100 votes.

Other Molokai residents on the primary election ballot are Manae’s Mahina Poepoe running against incumbent Linda Clark of Maui for State Representative District 13 and Maui hopeful Chase Nomura. U’i Kahue-Cabanting of Ho’olehua is running for OHA Trustee At-Large.

The Molokai seat for Maui County Council won’t appear until the general election, when incumbent Keani Rawlins-Fernandez is being challenged by John Pele.

For more information, visit elections.hawaii.gov or visit the Molokai Voter Service Center for assistance. 

Now is the time to participate in this important part of community-building to voice your preference for candidates who align with your values and vision for the future.