Molokai Voters’ Guide

General Election Day is approaching on Tuesday, Nov. 8. Your vote is your voice and one of the most powerful forces to shape the future by electing a representative government who will make decisions which affect you, your family and your community.  On this year’s ballot, Molokai voters will choose the new U.S. President, U.S. Senator and Representatives, State Representative, Office of Hawaiian Affairs Trustees and Maui County Councilmembers.

The Presidential frontrunners, Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton, have divided the country in a historic battle, leaving many voters disenchanted with the election process. However, even if you choose not to vote for one of those candidates, there are three other choices you can select from on the ballot. Hawaii does not allow write-in votes.

One of the most contested seats on Molokai is the Maui County Council Molokai representative seat, for which incumbent Stacy Helm Crivello and hopeful Keani Rawlins-Fernandez will both appear on the ballot. Molokai’s Office of Hawaiian Affairs trustee seat was already selected as Colette Machado in the Primary Election due to a majority vote rule.

Along with this year’s General Election candidates,  several amendments to the State Constitution and Maui County Charter will also be voted upon.

Voting can be confusing, and seeing the ballot for the first time at the polls can be overwhelming if you’re not prepared. So to help you get ready for this year’s General Election, the Dispatch has compiled a Molokai sample ballot for your review in this week’s paper.

What: 2016 General Election

When: Tuesday, Nov. 8 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

If you can’t make it to the polls, early walk-in voting on Molokai is being held at the Mitchell Pauole Center between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. (closed 12 to 1 p.m.) Monday to Friday and 8 a.m. to 12 noon on Saturday, until Saturday, Nov. 5.

Where: Check your voter registration card that was mailed to you or visit Hawaii.gov/elections to get your precinct location. Polling places on Molokai are: Kilohana Community Center, Kaunakakai School Cafeteria, Kualapu`u Community Center, Maunaloa Community Center or Kalaupapa Settlement Hall.

Who: You must be a registered Hawaii voter to cast your ballot. If you haven’t yet registered, you can complete late registration during early walk-in voting, see above.

What to bring to the polls: A valid photo I.D. with signature, such as a Hawaii driver’s license or state I.D. card.

How: When voting in the General Election, you can cast your vote for any candidate, regardless of party affiliation. You can only vote for one candidate in each contest. On this ballot, you can also vote “yes” or “no” on several amendments to the State Constitution and Maui County Charter. Review both sides of your ballot before voting. Fill in the box completely to the left of your choice.

Visit hawaii.gov/elections or call Maui County Clerk’s Office at 270-7749 for more information.