Hawaii voter turnout ‘pretty low,’ just over a week ahead of Election Day

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Hawaii is experiencing a relatively low voter turnout a little more than a week away from the general election.

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Hawaii News Now political analyst Colin Moore noted that as of Friday, only 15% of all mailed ballots had been returned.

“That’s pretty low. I mean, I think we’re seeing relatively low numbers, even compared to the midterm election four years ago,” Moore said, mentioning that midterm elections generally see lower voter turnout compared to presidential elections. “The best comparison is probably 2022. But what we’re seeing so far is that the ballots are coming in more slowly than they were in 2022.”

Voter turnout in 2022’s general election ended up being nearly 49%.

“I think we’ll know a little more next week, but it does look like we’re going to have lower voter turnout, just judging based on what we’re seeing so far,” Moore added.

Moore pointed to several possibilities as to why fewer voters have cast their ballots so far, besides the election not being a presidential year.

“There’s not a lot of really exciting races happening this year, particularly on Oahu, which is where most voters live, of course. So we do have very hot races for mayor in Maui and Kauai, but not here on Oahu,” Moore said.

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The governor’s race this year, Moore added, is not as competitive as it was four years ago.

“As a result of that, I think you’re seeing relatively lower voter turnout probably. But like I say, we’re just judging based on the number of ballots that have been returned so far,” Moore said.

Camron Hurt of Common Cause Hawaii also believes the number of charter amendments — including 20 on Oahu — could be overwhelming for voters.

“We have a very intense ballot, especially if you live on Oahu. So this isn’t just a regular midterm election. There is a lot that our voters are grappling with and we have to give them grace and time to understand that, really resonate with the decision they want to make and then cast that vote,” Hurt said.

Election Day is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 3. Click here for all you need to know.

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