Office of Elections

This month, we focus on our family, friends, and neighbors living with disabilities, and offer guidance on the services available to help them along the voting process. 

Your Right to Assistance

You have the right to ask for assistance in the registration and voting process.  If you need assistance with completing a Voter Registration Application, using the Online Voter Registration System, or marking your ballot, you are permitted to have a trusted individual, like a family member or caretaker, provide you with the help you need.

Be mindful that to maintain the integrity of the election process, Hawaii law does not permit your employer or an agent of your union or your employer’s union, to provide assistance.

Voter Registration

Instructions for completing the Voter Registration Application are available in braille and audio formats. These resources can be requested from our office, the Hawaii State Library of the Blind and Print Disabled, or your County Elections Division.

Prefer online?  Our Online Voter Registration System is compatible with screen readers, so you can take advantage of the quickest way to register to vote by visiting elections.hawaii.gov and using the online application.

Accessible Electronic Ballots

As a blind or low-vision voter, you have the option to request an electronic ballot by email.  An electronic ballot provides non-visual access to the ballot and allows you to independently mark your ballot using your personal compatible device.  With the use of a screen reader, electronic ballots allow you to have the instructions and your ballot choices read to you.

To request an accessible electronic ballot, submit a Voter Registration Application or use the Online Voter Registration System at elections.hawaii.gov.  You will be asked to attest that you meet the qualifications and provide an email address.  You only need to make the request once, and you’ll be set to receive an electronic ballot to your email every election.

Expect to receive both the electronic ballot and your mail ballot packet around 18 days before each election.  Once you’ve voted on your electronic ballot, you have a choice to either electronically send your ballot back to your County Elections Division or mail your voted ballot using the return ballot envelope enclosed in your mail ballot packet.

Accessible In-Person Voting

Wish to vote in person?  Voter service centers are ideal for our communities living with disabilities.

Voter service centers are equipped with accessible voting equipment for you to cast your vote privately and independently.  Verity voting devices include the Verity Touch Writer used for accessible voting at the voter service centers.

Verity Touch Writer features include:

• Touchscreen interface
• Adaptive controllers
• Compatibility with tactile switches and sip and puff devices
• Access to audio through headphones
• Adjustable text size and screen contrast for better visibility

To use the Verity Touch Writer, you will mark your choice on the device, then print the ballot. The printed ballot is the same as the one used by all voters whether at the voter service center or by mail.  After reviewing the printed ballot, you will then cast your vote.

If you have questions regarding any of these services, please feel free to contact us at (808) 453-VOTE (8683) or email us at [email protected].

Lastly, we want to remind you that if you have recently moved or changed your mailing address, please remember to update your voter registration so there are no delays to the delivery of your ballot.  Head over to elections.hawaii.gov to update your information online or print the Voter Registration Application.

Hawaii Votes Program

Prefer video?  Check out our new Hawaii Votes program, where our hosts take you through the information shared in the newsletter.  Subscribe to our YouTube channel and watch our latest episode.

Email List

Want to receive newsletters by email?  Sign up for the email list.