Hawaii voting FAQ

In 2024, votes will be cast on issues and races that will set America’s direction for the coming years. The Paste BN Network has everything you need to know to make the best choices for yourself and your family at the ballot box.

How do I register to vote?

To vote in Hawaii’s elections, you must be a U.S. citizen, a Hawaii resident and at least 18 years old on election day.

Same-day voter registration will be available at Hawaii’s Democratic presidential primary and Republican presidential caucus. However, voters must register as members of their respective party before voting.

To vote in Hawaii’s state primary and general election, submit an application to your county’s elections division by 4:30 p.m. on the 10th day before an election. When registering, residents must provide their Social Security number and their Hawaii driver’s license or Hawaii state ID card.

Residents may also register on the day of an election. Register online here, or at a voter service center and submit a ballot there. Those centers are operational for 10 days before election day and facilitate in-person voting. Their locations can be found on your county’s website.

When are elections taking place this year?

• March 6: Democratic presidential primary, in person from 6-8 p.m.
• March 12: Republican presidential caucus, in person from 6-8 p.m.
• August 10: State primary, mail-in or in person
• Nov. 5: General Election, mail-in or in person.

What key races are on the ballot this year?

Key races in Hawaii’s state primary in August include:

• U.S. Senate: one seat, six-year term
• U.S. House of Representatives: two seats, Hawaii’s 1st and 2nd Congressional Districts, two-year terms
• State Senate: 12 seats, Districts 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 12, 16, 18, 19, 22, 23, 24, four-year terms
• State House of Representatives: 51 seats, Districts 1–51, two-year terms
• Office of Hawaiian Affairs Trustee: four seats, At-Large, Resident of Hawaii, Resident of Molokai, Resident of Kauai, four-year terms

County of Hawaii:

• Mayor: one seat, County of Hawaii, four-year term
• Prosecuting Attorney: one seat, County of Hawaii, four-year term
• Councilmember: nine seats, Districts 1–9, two-year term

County of Maui:

Councilmember: nine seats, Districts East Maui, West Maui, Wailuku-Waihee-Waikapu, Kahului, South Maui, Makawao-Haiku-Paia, Upcountry, Lanai, Molokai, two-year terms

County of Kauai:

• Prosecuting Attorney: one seat, County of Kauai, four-year term
• Councilmember: seven seats, County of Kauai, two-year term

City and County of Honolulu:

• Mayor: one seat, City and County of Honolulu, four-year term
• Prosecuting Attorney: one seat, City and County of Honolulu, four-year term
• Councilmember: five seats, Districts I, III, V, VII, and IX, four-year terms

What do I need to take to the polls?

Voters must bring a photo ID to vote in Hawaii’s Republican caucus.

Voting in person for Hawaii’s state primary and general elections doesn’t require an ID. However, it’s recommended to bring one for a smoother check-in process. If you choose to show ID, acceptable options include an unexpired photo ID such as a Hawaii driver’s license, a state ID card, a military ID card or a U.S. passport.

You may have to provide additional information to confirm your identity if you don’t have an ID.

What do I need to know about mail-in voting?

Hawaii is among eight states nationwide with universal mail-in voting. Every registered voter will receive a mail ballot at least 18 days before the state primary and general election. To ensure your vote will count, your ballot must be submitted to your city or county clerk at least seven days before the election.

Those voting by mail do not need an ID, but the signature on your mail-in ballot must match the signature on file with the state. 

What about absentee voting?

For those voters who find themselves away from their Hawaii residence during elections, the option is available to submit an absentee application to an alternate address. This applies to both the Aug. 10 primary election and the Nov. 5 general election.

Completed applications must be submitted to the County Elections Division at least seven days before each election. Those deadlines are Aug. 3 for the primary and Oct. 29 for the general election.

The absentee ballot application includes an affidavit for voters with special needs to request an electronic ballot via email for every election. Additional assistance, such as large print or taped materials, can be obtained by contacting the Office of Elections at 453-VOTE (8683).

What about early voting?

Voters also can personally submit their mail ballots by visiting a designated place of deposit or voter service center in the county where they are registered. Centers are operational for in-person voting for ten days leading up to election day. Their locations can be found on county websites.