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 »
One of the most potent instruments we can use to ensure good leadership is the vote. Tomoko Ella Hotema, Chaminade University
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 »
These are tough times. And tough times demand we do more and care more. We accept our responsibilities to take care of ourselves, our families and our community during the COVID-19 local and global crisis. And part of our personal and civic responsibility is to keep us functioning well as a democracy. Amy Agbayahi, chair …
Column: Automatic voter registration advances our electoral rights Read More »
Ma Glodilet Rallojay asks, “Have you ever felt excluded or unable to participate in our democracy for one reason or another?” Read Rallojay’s op-ed in the March 2020 issue of the Hawaii Filipino Chronicle where she argues for the passing of Automatic Voter Registration in Hawaii as the next logical step as Hawaii prepares to …
We live in a time of challenges and crises. Our planet is in peril as we drag our feet on addressing the climate crisis. Both globally and locally we face challenges that are daunting. Here in Hawaii, we continue to watch tent encampments grow as the working poor find it impossible to pay for their …
Column: Automatic voter registration will expand access to voting Read More »
Giving busy women easier access to voting by supporting Automatic Voter Registration, which reduces red tape and saves them a few steps on the road to being able to cast their vote, benefits them and our entire community. Heather Kimball, Advocacy chair, Zonta Club of Hilo In her letter to the West Hawaii Today editor, Advocacy …
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. Lena Mochimaru, a fine arts graduate, …
Column: Automatic voter registration would vitalize our democracy Read More »
