Community Voices

Registering to vote in Hawaii may seem easy, and compared to labyrinthine requirements in many other states, it is. But to people experiencing homelessness, our system’s prerequisites can make casting a ballot impossible. Kristen Alice is director of community relations for Hope Services Hawaii, and vice chairperson for Community Alliance Partners, a coalition of social …

Column: Poverty, houselessness should not mean loss of voting rights Read More »

The state and counties must do more to inform people during these difficult times. It has been noted by many that local government must adjust to new realities. But is that happening? In this inaugural year of vote-by-mail, despite getting more than $3 million in federal funds for election security, the state Office of Elections …

Community Voice: Voting By Mail Process In Hawaii Still Needs Work Read More »

Hawaii has one of the highest unemployment rates in the nation. My generation is still hopeful that our lawmakers can act quickly to help. Attending school from home has made me think about how the government could make it easier for more people to participate. This emergency is highlighting the need for greater efficiency across …

Column: Voting is a civil right; voter registration should be automatic Read More »

Yes. That’s why the Hawaii Legislature should pass automatic voter registration. From what we saw at the hearing when we testified, there was virtually no opposition to AVR. This is a way to use technology to draw in more voices, voices like ours. What keeps lawmakers from enacting this now and not deferring this and …

Community Voice: Will We Have A Democracy After COVID-19? Read More »

Under coronavirus, voting in person could risk personal safety. Hawaii voters should make sure they are registered. Voting in coronavirus times is perilous and likely to make in-person voting at the polls difficult. Even in relatively saner times, Hawaii’s voting record has been spotty at best. According to the State Office of Elections, in 1959, …

Community Voice Voting By Mail Could Not Come At A More Needed Time Read More »

Nobody wants to be left behind. Hawaii used to be a place where we were ahead of the game. Somehow we have fallen behind. Who is responsible for deciding if we make progress — or not? The answer is: all of us, and those we elect to represent us. We look to our leaders to …

Island Voices Column: Automatic voter registration would vitalize our democracy Read More »

We can do better. We must do better if we want to improve life on all our islands. Ted Kawahinehelelani Blake was born and raised in Koloa. He is a graduate of Kamehameha Schools and the University of Hawaii and a member of Hui Malama o Koloa, E Alu Pu and Kua‘aina Ulu ‘Auamo. Read …

You can change the political landscape Read More »