In 2022, 60% of Primary voters or 513,715 Hawai’i residents did not bother to vote. They chose to not even open an envelope, check off a few boxes, put it back in the return envelope – and walk it out to the mail box.

As a result, with few exceptions across all the islands, the same ole same ole got reelected again.

Let’s make 2024 different. Let’s show up and elect the change-makers.

Please. Our democracy will only work when we get off the couch, turn off the tv, put our phone down, walk over to the kitchen table, find our Primary election ballot, and fill-in those little squares.

Good people are running. Fresh ideas, new energy, and new leadership is knocking at our door asking for a chance to serve. We have the power to make 2024 the best year ever.

Leave some or even most blank if you like, but check the boxes next to the names of candidates you feel good about, and walk it out to the mailbox today, by the end of this week at the very latest.

If you’ve not yet received a ballot in the mail it means you’re not a registered voter, and you must visit a Voter Service Center to register and then vote in person. Individuals must be a U.S. Citizen, Hawai’i resident, and at least 18 years of age to register and vote.

Voter Service Center locations and hours of operations can be found at: https://elections.hawaii.gov/voter-service-centers-and-places-of-deposit/

No vote. No grumble.

There are important races happening now, through-out the islands.

How do you make a smart decision on who to vote for?

Read candidate Q&A in Civil Beat – https://www.civilbeat.org/election-ballot-2024/

Read candidate statements in the official Office of Elections Voter Guide – https://olvr.hawaii.gov/altballotsearch3.aspx

And yes, you can read my thoughts and voting recommendations that cover important races on every island of who I would vote for if I lived in the district

The best way to make a voting decision of course is to speak to the candidate directly. At the Council and State Legislature level – this is normally possible, but at this late date connecting directly with candidate’s may be a challenge.

I’ve found Google and FaceBook to be very helpful in evaluating a candidates values, thoughts, and priorities. Scroll through a candidates social media postings (especially older postings) and you’ll often get a good feel for who they are, what they believe in, and what their future plans are.

It’s best if mail-in ballots are put in the mail prior to August 3, otherwise voters are encouraged to deposit ballots directly and/or vote in person at a Voter Service Center as soon as possible and prior to August 10th.

August 10 is the final day for in-person voting, and all ballots must be received at a Voter Service Center by 7pm this day.

Please vote. Be part of the solution. Take ownership of your democracy.

Gary Hooser
Former State Senator, Majority Leader, County Councilmember – just a regular guy trying to help make our world a better place. Won’t you join me? Sign up for my email at:
https://policy-and-politics.mailchimpsites.com