The newest tool for Hawaii voters went live last week, with the implementation of an online voter registration system. It’s part of an overall process to streamline the voting process and increase accessibility and participation. “It is (about) convenience,” said Pat Nakamoto of the county elections division. A bill passed during the 2012 legislative session required the online system to be in place by 2016. In order to register to vote, residents must have a Hawaii driver’s license or state ID. Voters who are already registered also can use the system to update their own information, such as name and address changes.
University of Hawaii at Hilo political science professor Todd Belt said the effort is part of a long-term trend. “It reflects a move in our state to make things easier to vote,” he said.
Donna Oba, co-president of the League of Women Voters of Hawaii, said that having an online system also could encourage more younger voters to register.
But getting people to register doesn’t necessarily translate into more people at the polls. During the 2014 midterm election, just 36.5 percent of registered voters in the state turned out to vote. ”Registering voters is just one step in the whole process,” Nakamoto said. “Voters actually need to go out and vote on Election Day.”
Full Article: One step closer to all-mail voting? | Hawaii Tribune-Herald.