Report Title:

Elections; Low Voter Turnout; Task Force

Description:

Establishes a voter registration and participation task force within the office of elections to study Hawaii's low voter turnout and make recommendations to increase the voter registration and turnout rate.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

2600

TWENTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2006

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 


 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

relating to elections.

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that citizen participation in elections is vital to the health and well-being of a democracy and representative form of government. When the citizenry opts out of their responsibility to vote, public confidence and support of government is undermined, as is the government's effectiveness in serving the people of the State.

In 2004, Hawaii had the lowest voter turnout in the United States, with a showing of 48.9 per cent of eligible voters actually voting. To combat voter apathy, community-based efforts aimed at: increasing the percentage of voting age citizens who are registered; educating voters on the candidates and ballot questions; and informing voters of their polling locations and methods of voting must be implemented. The legislature further finds that the low voter turnout is a significant concern that must be addressed.

The purpose of this Act is to establish a task force to study reasons for low voter turnout in the State and make recommendations to improve the rate of voter registration and voting.

SECTION 2. There is established within the office of elections a voter registration and participation task force that shall be comprised of members including:

(1) The chief election officer;

(2) A representative of the governor;

(3) A representative of the mayor of each county;

(4) The county clerk of each county;

(5) A representative from each political party as defined pursuant to section 11-61;

(6) An individual representing labor unions;

(7) An individual representing at least two of the following organizations: League of Women Voters; Common Cause; Chamber of Commerce; and the Hawaii Media Council; and

(8) Four individuals representing the majority and minority members of each house of the Hawaii state legislature, respectively.

SECTION 3. The voter registration and participation task force shall review issues that include:

(1) Identification of voter trends in Hawaii;

(2) The evaluation of methods and "best practices" demonstrated to be effective in other states to increase voter registration, including: same day voter registration; voter registration drives; mail in ballots; extension of voting days; and other methods of increasing voter participation;

(3) A review of public education and awareness campaigns in other states aimed at educating citizens about voting opportunities and rights;

(4) The conducting of focus groups and surveys on the perceptions of Hawaii residents on voting and voter turnout in the State; and

(5) Development of a three-year strategic plan to increase Hawaii's voter registration and turnout, including a recommended budget and outreach programs.

SECTION 4. The voter registration and participation task force shall submit a report on the task force's actions and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2007.

SECTION 5. The voter registration and participation task force shall cease to exist on June 1, 2008.

SECTION 6. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:

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