Last-minute Oahu voters turn out on primary Election Day — but not many

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – As polls prepare to close on primary Election Day, some Oahu voters made their final decisions and cast their ballots — but overall turnout remained low.

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As of 12:18 p.m. Saturday, only 471 voters had visited Oahu’s two voter service centers, with 232 in Kapolei and 239 in Honolulu.

Honolulu elections administrator Rex Quidilla said that turnout was lower than the numbers recorded during the previous primary election.

View all election night coverage here.

Voters seek more time to research candidates

Several voters at Honolulu Hale and Kapolei Hale said they waited until Election Day to cast their ballots because they needed additional time to research candidates.

“The hardest decision was probably trying to sort through like the many candidates,” said Kapolei resident Kai Tavares.

Honolulu resident Hock Neo said his ballot “had been lying on my desk for some time. I also had to do some research, had to know, get to know the candidates better.”

To help voters make informed choices, election officials highlighted the availability of the state’s digital resources.

“We now have a digital voter guide that’s available at the state’s website and you have more information than ever to research your choices,” said Quidilla.

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However, some residents noted that finding comprehensive information on every candidate remained a challenge.

“They do have their information on the website, but not all of them actually have websites. Not all of them have social media,” said Kapolei resident Cristina Felicitas.

Deadline drives last-minute ballot push

Despite the slow start, election officials said they anticipated a typical last-minute surge as the voting deadline approached.

“Deadlines motivate people. It’s a last-minute push,” Quidilla said.

Quidilla said about 11% of ballots received through drop boxes traditionally arrive on the final day of voting.

For some longtime voters, casting a ballot — even at the last minute — remains an essential civic duty.

Honolulu resident Ronald Lane said he has rarely missed an election in decades.

“I’ll be 75 this year, and I don’t think I missed an election since maybe going back to Jimmy Carter or something,” Lane said.

Joanna Tienza of Ewa Beach said every vote matters.

“Every vote counts, whether it’s primary or the general, it counts. Your voice needs to be heard. One voice can make the difference,” Tienza said.

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