Statewide Elections Accessibility Needs Advisory Committee
The Statewide Elections Accessibility Needs Advisory Committee ensures equal and independent access to voter registration, casting of ballots, and all other election services.
The committee shall meet annually to review election procedures, services, and technology and access to information, and shall make recommendations to the Office of Elections.
News and Announcements
Statewide Voters with Special Needs Advisory Committee Survey for Voters with Disabilities
In the News: Mail-in voting still presents obstacles for people with disabilities
Meeting Notice
| Date | Time | Location | Agenda | Meeting Materials |
Meeting Notice
Sign up for the email list to receive notices for upcoming Statewide Elections Accessibility Needs Advisory Committee meetings, materials, and newsletters.
Composition
The committee shall consist of five (5) members appointed by the governor. Each member shall identify as a voter with special needs arising from physical disabilities including visual and hearing impairments that require an accommodation to vote.
The terms of advisory committee members shall be four years.
For complete information, please refer to HRS §11-10.5.
Members
| Name | Term Expires |
|---|---|
| James Gashel | 6/30/2027 |
| Kathryn Keim | 6/30/2025 |
| Patricia Morrissey | 6/30/2025 |
| Sheryl Nelson | 6/30/2026 |
| Vacant | TBD |
Meetings
| Date | Agenda | Meeting Materials | Video | Minutes/Written Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| October 10, 2024 | Agenda | Meeting Materials | Video | Minutes |
| June 20, 2024 | Agenda | Meeting Materials | Video | Minutes |
| May 7, 2024 | Agenda | No Meeting Materials for this meeting. | Video | Minutes |
| April 2, 2024 | Agenda | Meeting Materials | Video | Minutes |
| March 12, 2024 | Agenda | Meeting Materials | Video | Minutes |
| February 6, 2024 Note: This meeting was cancelled. | Agenda | |||
| January 12, 2024 | Agenda | Meeting Materials | Video | Minutes |
| November 14, 2023 | Agenda | Meeting Materials | Video | Minutes |
| October 3, 2023 | Agenda | Meeting Materials | Video | Minutes |
| September 5, 2023 | Agenda | Meeting Materials | Video | Minutes |
| May 23, 2023 | Agenda | Meeting Materials | Video | Minutes |
| February 15, 2023 | Agenda | Meeting Materials Supplemental Meeting Materials | Video | Minutes |
| December 7, 2022 | Agenda | N/A | N/A | Minutes |
| September 23, 2022 | Agenda | Meeting Materials | Video | Written Summary |
| July 1, 2022 | Agenda | Meeting Materials | Video | Written Summary |
| June 23, 2022 | Agenda | N/A | Video | Written Summary |
Contact
Statewide Elections Accessibility Needs Advisory Committee
c/o Office of Elections
802 Lehua Avenue
Pearl City, HI 96782
Phone: (808) 453-8683
Email: [email protected]
Voter Information
Keep voter registration current
Ballots are mailed to the mailing address associated with your voter registration. If you move to a new residence, change your mailing address or name, you must update your voter registration. By law, ballots cannot be forwarded through the mail.
You may check online or contact your County Elections Division to confirm that your registration record is current.
You can update your voter registration using the Online Voter Registration System or by completing a paper Voter Registration Application.
Receiving Your Ballot
You will receive a mail ballot packet at least 18 days prior to the election.
Your packet consists of a ballot, ballot secrecy sleeve, and a prepaid postage return ballot envelope.
Voters with special needs may request for an electronic ballot through the Voter Registration Application or by contacting their County Elections Division.
Returning Your Ballot
You may return your voted ballot by mail or in person at a designated place of deposit within your county. Voted ballots must be received by your County Elections Division by 7:00 p.m. on Election Day.
Tracking Your Ballot
Sign up to receive ballot alerts. Avoid missing the ballot return deadline by signing up for free ballot alerts! Visit hawaii.ballottrax.net or call (808) 453-VOTE (8683) for assistance with enrolling. You can choose to receive text, email, and voice alerts for when your ballot is on its way, and reminders to return your ballot as the deadline approaches.
Voters Requiring Assistance
If you’re in need of assistance with casting your ballot, consider the following accessible options:
Voting by Mail
All registered voters receive a mail ballot packet approximately eighteen (18) days prior to the election. Voters with special needs may request for an accessible electronic ballot from their County Elections Division. An electronic ballot is an alternative ballot that can be marked from a compatible device. This ensures accessibility to allow voters to mark their ballot privately and independently. Click here for a demonstration ballot of the Alternate Format Ballot (AFB).
Requesting for an electronic ballot
Options to request an electronic ballot are:
Online Voter Registration System – A Hawaii Driver’s License or Hawaii State ID is required to access the system.
Voter Registration Application – Complete the paper application and submit it to the County Elections Division.
Driver license and State ID applications – Voter registration and the option to sign up for an electronic ballot are included with the driver’s license and state ID applications at the DMV.
Receiving your electronic ballot
Voters have the option to return the voted ballot electronically to their County Elections Division or by using the return ballot envelope that was included in their mail ballot packet.
Voting at a Voter Service Center
Voter service centers are equipped with accessible voting equipment. Voters may use an accessible ballot marking device, Verity Touch Writer, to vote their ballot and then print and cast their ballot. The printed ballot is the same as the one used by all voters whether at the voter service center or by mail. Click here to view a video of the Verity Touch Writer.
Remember, you have the right to ask for assistance in the registration and voting process. If you need assistance completing a voter registration application, using the Online Voter Registration System, or marking ballot, you are permitted to have a trusted individual, like a family member or caregiver, provide you with the help you need.
Additional Resources
Click here to view episodes from our Hawaii Votes Program. The Hawaii Votes Program is a monthly program hosted by the Office of Elections covering various election and voting topics.
Sign up here to receive email newsletters from the Office of Elections
Tips for Election Workers: How to Assist Voters with Disabilities. Prepared by the Statewide Elections Accessibility Needs Advisory Committee for the State of Hawaii Office of Elections and County Elections Divisions.
For more information about elections and voting, visit elections.hawaii.gov or call (808) 453-VOTE (8683).
Last Updated on September 20, 2024