Report Title:
Voting; Same-Day Registration
Description:
Establishes a pilot program to have one or more precincts provide same-day voter registration in a federal or state primary or general election.
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THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
432 |
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TWENTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2005 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
relating to Same-day voter registration.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. In the 2004 general election, Hawaii voters turned out in record numbers. The high turnout reversed, at least temporarily, a steady three-decade decline in voter turnout among eligible Hawaii voters. To build upon the momentum of high participation rates among voters in the 2004 general election as well as reverse the alarming trend of voter apathy in Hawaii, it is critical that voter friendly initiatives be explored and implemented in preparation for the 2006 election season.
One voter friendly initiative that has generated much discussion nationwide is same-day voter registration programs. Adopted in six states, including Idaho, Maine, Minnesota, New Hampshire, Wisconsin, and Wyoming, eligible voters are still allowed to register on primary and general elections day and vote. Data analyzing same-day voter registration programs have made the following findings:
(1) The six states with same-day voter registration procedures have the highest voter turnout rates in the nation. Aggregate turnout figures in 1996 and 2000 were sixty per cent and sixty-six per cent respectively for these six states compared to a voter turnout rate of forty-three per cent in states without same-day voter registration programs.
(2) In Minnesota, which consistently leads the nation in voter turnout, seventy-two per cent of adults voted in the 2004 presidential election. Wisconsin and Maine, which also has same-day voter registration programs, finished second and third respectively in voter turnout.
(3) A 2000 survey among non-voters ranked same-day voter registration as the most popular voter reform measure that would make non-voters more likely to turn out and vote.
The purpose of this Act is to establish a pilot project in one or more precincts allowing for same-day voter registration. The chief election officer following the election will evaluate the pilot project and the evaluation shall be reported back to the legislature.
SECTION 2. (a) A same-day voter registration program shall be conducted as provided by this section for the 2006 election year. The chief election officer shall:
(1) Adopt rules pursuant to chapter 91, Hawaii Revised Statutes, for conducting same-day voter registration; and
(2) In consultation with the appropriate county clerk, designate one or more precincts to participate in same-day voter registration only for one or more regularly scheduled elections as defined in section 11-1, Hawaii Revised Statutes.
The chief election officer shall provide notice by publication in a newspaper of general circulation in the precinct where same-day voter registration will be permitted.
(b) An individual who is eligible to vote may register on election day by appearing in person at the polling place for the precinct in which the voter maintains a residence by completing a voter registration application, making an oath on the form prescribed by the chief election officer, and providing proof of residency. An individual may prove residency for purposes of registration by:
(1) Presenting a valid Hawaii driver's license or state identification card; or
(2) Presenting any documentation approved by the chief election officer as proper identification.
(c) No precinct official, in a precinct in which same-day voter registration is permitted, shall receive the vote of any individual who is not registered in the manner prescribed by subsection (b).
(d) The chief election officer or a designee appointed by the chief election officer shall keep a record of the number of individuals who attempted to register on election day, but who were unable to provide proof of residence as required by subsection (b). This record shall be included with the election returns for that precinct.
SECTION 3. Following same-day voter registration, the chief election officer shall review the pilot project in section 2 and report findings and recommendations, including any proposed implementing legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days before the convening of the regular session of 2007 regarding:
(1) An evaluation of the costs and benefits of permitting same-day voter registration;
(2) The effectiveness of the pilot project in improving voter turnout; and
(3) The feasibility of extending the pilot project to other precincts, or implementing same-day voter registration on a statewide, permanent basis, including recommendations as to any changes that may be necessary to implement the project on a wider basis.
SECTION 4. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $ , or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2005-2006, for the purpose of establishing a same-day voter registration pilot program.
SECTION 5. The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of accounting and general services for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 6. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2005.
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INTRODUCED BY: |
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