MEDIA RELEASE

Deadline to register to vote for the primary election is Thursday, Aug. 19. Applications must be submitted to the office or postmarked no later than 4:30 p.m.

Wikiwiki Drive-Thru Registration will be 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Aug. 18 and Aug. 19 at the Hilo Bayfront Parking Lot, Pahoa Market Place, and K-Mart Kona.

You may register to vote if you are:

* a citizen of the United States of America;
* a legal resident of Hawaii; and
* at least 16 years of age (Pre-registration at age of 16. You must be 18 years old by election day to vote.)

Notice to First Time Voters Who Register to Vote by Mail:

If you are (1) Registering to vote for the first time in the State of Hawaii; and (2) are mailing in an Affidavit on Application for Voter Registration, federal law (United States Code: Title 42, 15483) requires you to provide proof of identification. Proof of identification includes a copy of:

* A current and valid photo identification, or
* A current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck or government document that shows your name and address.
* If you do not provide the required proof of identification with an Affidavit on Application for Voter Registration, you will be required to do so at your polling place, or with your voted absentee mail-in ballot.

You can register to vote:

By Mail: Mail in voter registration form is widely available. Mail the completed Affidavit on Application for Voter Registration to the Hilo Elections Division.

In Person: Visit the Hilo or Kona Elections Division Office to complete an Affidavit on Application for Voter Registration.

Department of Motor Vehicle: The State of Hawaii Application for Motor Vehicle Driver’s License also contains a Motor Voter Affidavit on Application for Voter Registration allowing any individual to simultaneously apply for a driver’s license and register to vote.

You can obtain voter Registration forms from:

* Your Telephone Book
* County of Hawaii Elections Division Offices
* State, County, and Federal Websites
* Post Offices
* Public Libraries
* County Satellite Offices

Should You Re-Register to Vote?

You should re-register if you changed your name, residence address or mailing address.

The State of Hawaii Office of Elections offers on-line assistance in filling out the Affidavit on Application for Voter Registration if you need help completing the form.

More information on Voter Registration is available on the State of Hawaii Office of Elections website.

Absentee Mail-In Voting

Any registered voter may request an Absentee Mail-In Ballot if they are unable to vote on election day.

Absentee Mail-In Ballot applications will be accepted beginning July 20, 2010. The deadline to request an Absentee Mail-In Ballot is:
Primary Election 2010: Sept. 11, 2010
General Election 2010: Oct. 26, 2010

You can obtain Absentee Mail-In Ballot Applications From:

* County of Hawaii Elections Division Offices
* State and County Websites
* Post Offices
* Public Libraries

Absentee Applications and Permanent Absentee Applications are now available at the Elections Division Offices. You may request one if you are a registered voter in the state by calling the Hilo office at 961-8277 or the Kona office at 327-3633.

Absentee Walk-In Voting

All registered voters wishing to cast an absentee ballot can vote at an absentee precinct in their district. Walk-In Absentee Voting dates and locations are listed below:

Absentee Walk-In Voting will be from:
* Primary Election 2010: Sept. 3-16
* General Election 2010: Oct. 19-30

For Accessibility view Absentee Walk-In Locations in a larger map

Hilo:
Aupuni Center
Hamakua Conference Room
25 Aupuni St.
Hilo, HI 96720
Hours: Monday to Saturday (8 a.m.-4 p.m.)

Kona:
Kona Elections Satellite Office
75-143 Hualalai Rd., #103
Alii Plaza Building
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Hours: Monday to Saturday (8 a.m.-4 p.m.)

Kohala:
North Kohala District Courthouse
54-3900 Akoni Pule Hwy.
Kapaau, HI 96755
Hours: Monday to Friday (9 a.m. – noon)
Closed between: Noon-1 p.m.

Waimea:
Waimea Community center
65-1260 Kawaihae Rd.
Kamuela, HI 96743
Hours: Monday to Thursday (9 a.m. – 3 p.m.)
Friday: 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Pahala:
Pahala Community Center
96-1149 Kamani St.
Pahala, HI 96777
Hours: Monday to Friday (9 a.m.-3 p.m.)
Closed between: Noon-1 p.m.

Elections Division Office hours are Monday through Friday from 7:45am to 4:30pm, and the Kona Office closes on weekdays Noon to 1 p.m.

— Find out more:
www.hawaii-county.com/elections/index.html