Vote!

By Catherine Cluett Pactol | Editor

Photo by Catherine Cluett Pactol.

Are you a registered voter who’s already received your ballot in the mail? Are you a Molokai resident who’s never voted before? Either way, vote! 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. Along with candidates statewide, six Molokai residents appear on the ballot running for key seats in this election. 

Overview: The primary election is held to nominate candidates who will represent each political party in November’s general election.

What: 2022 Primary Election

When: If you are already a registered voter, you already received your ballot in the mail and can mail it back now. The deadline for your ballot to be received is Saturday, Aug. 13 so it must be postmarked in advance, or it can dropped off at the Voter Service Center at the Mitchell Pauole Center in Kaunakakai by Saturday, Aug. 13 at 7 p.m. If you are not yet registered, there is still time! You can visit the Voter Service Center for same-day registration and voting in-person. It is open Aug. 1 to Aug. 12, Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Saturday, Aug. 13 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Where: You don’t need to visit the polls to vote anymore! In 2020, Hawaii switched to an all-mail voting system and previous polling places are no longer open. You can cast your ballot by returning it in the mail or visiting the Voter Service Center in person. 

Who: Anyone can vote who U.S. citizen and a Hawaii resident, age 18 or older. 

How: When voting in the primary election, you must select one party in the political preference section of the ballot, and then vote only for candidates of the party you selected.  If you don’t select a party and you vote in more than one party ballot, your vote will not be counted. Offices such as Office of Hawaiian Affairs and County of Maui seats have no party restrictions and you can vote for anyone. Review both sides before returning your ballot. Fill in the box completely to the left of your choice.

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