The 2018 campaign season is shaping up as an exciting one. That’s not something that Hawaii voters can say all that frequently about the local political landscape.
Key races are heating up, pursued by veteran politicians who’ve now produced vacancies down the ballot that have drawn in some new faces. And this year, the elections office is making it even easier for voters’ voices to be heard. Voters can answer that call, even if they enter the arena at the eleventh hour — and they should do so.
Some of Hawaii’s long-standing electoral shortcomings, though, are still painfully evident.
Yes, with each passing election cycle the state has become, increasingly, a Democratic Party stronghold, with the isle Republicans fielding fewer candidates. Yes, the elected government ushers in change at a snail’s pace in the face of mounting social and economic problems. Yes, the typically disengaged status of the electorate is one result of all that.
And yes, there are a lot of incumbents who are running unopposed in the Aug. 11 primary, including three of the Legislature’s top leaders. However, there is a lot to watch, at least on the Democratic ballot, and virtually no reason for voters to sit it out.
It starts with a gubernatorial election that pits the sitting governor, David Ige, against a former colleague when both served in the state Senate: U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa. Now that the third candidate, Clayton Hee, has dropped out of the top race to seek his old state Senate seat instead, expect the fireworks between the two contenders to flare up.
Hanabusa’s candidacy has put her congressional seat up for grabs again, and there’s no shortage of hopefuls. Ed Case, the former congressman, is seeking another chance to return to Washington, contending with a full slate from the state Capitol and City Hall, and two elective newcomers.
In addition, there’s an uncommonly vigorous race for lieutenant governor, and this has opened several doors for newcomers, especially in the state House. The question is, will the voters take advantage of all the opportunity?
Hawaii is already an accommodating state for voters, with early voting that includes mail-in and walk-in options, as well as the conventional voting on Election Day. This year for the first time, eligible residents will be able to go to their polling precinct and register to vote, casting their ballot immediately afterward.
This removes a final obstacle — excuse, really — for voters who are disconnected and fail to commit. By the time the excitement around the election piques their interest, the registration deadline has passed. That shouldn’t happen any more. Voters simply go to their assigned voting place with an ID (information: 453-8683, or elections.hawaii.gov).
Of course, there’s no need to wait until the last day: The state’s Online Voter Registration System (olvr.hawaii.gov) makes it more convenient. And, those who do register by July 12 — the statutory deadline 30 days before the election — will have the option of getting an absentee ballot mailed to them.
On Hawaii island, the Office of Elections is reaching out to victims of the Kilauea eruption to ensure that their rights to vote are protected. Voters who now have sought shelter at evacuation centers will receive ballot information there. They will be able to request a mail-in ballot to be sent to a new address, if they’ve relocated.
The hard part, and the most crucial responsibility, lies with the voter. For those who face a battery of candidates waving signs each morning, it’s the voter’s job to learn who they are. And they must think critically: Has the incumbent done his or her job? If not, check the name of someone else willing and able to serve.
It very well may be time for a change. And, voters, that change begins with you.
