HONOLULU — Honolulu elections officials said Wednesday voters don’t need to request ballots to be mailed to them after the U.S. Postal Service sent postcards to residents across the country warning them to ask for mail-in ballots at least 15 days before Election Day.
HONOLULU — Honolulu elections officials said Wednesday voters don’t need to request ballots to be mailed to them after the U.S. Postal Service sent postcards to residents across the country warning them to ask for mail-in ballots at least 15 days before Election Day.
Hawaii is one of several states that have moved to all-mail voting and elections officials send mail ballots to all registered voters. Hawaii voters are expected to start receiving their general election ballots on Oct. 16. The general election is on Nov. 3.
The U.S. Postal Service postcard said that rules and dates vary by state and urges people to contact their elections officials to confirm which ones apply to them.
Honolulu City Clerk Glenn Takahashi said in a statement he appreciated the Postal Service’s effort to inform voters to act early.
“However, the mailer includes advice that does not apply to Hawaii elections. Voters do not need to request a mail ballot. Voters also do not need to add postage,” Takahashi said.
The Postal Service said in a statement that it understands not every state requires voters to request ballots to vote by mail.
“The main message of the mail-piece is that voters should plan ahead, educate themselves about voting options available in their jurisdiction, and, if they choose to vote by mail, to give themselves enough time to receive, complete and return their ballot,” the agency said.
