THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	186
TWENTY-SIXTH LEGISLATURE, 2011
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to voting.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  Section 15-10, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:

     "§15-10  Counting of absentee ballots.  If the requirements in section 15-9 are met, the return and ballot envelopes [may] shall be opened and the ballot counted as prescribed by law for the voting system in use.

     In those absentee polling places using paper ballots, counting of the absentee ballots may begin after noon of election day.

     In those absentee polling places using the electronic voting system, the absentee ballots shall be transported to the counting center in a manner and by a schedule as provided in the rules [promulgated] adopted by the chief election officer.  In no case, however, shall the results of the absentee count become publicly known before the polls have officially closed.

     Any person violating this section shall be guilty of an election offense under section 19-6."

     SECTION 2.  Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

Absentee Ballot; Voting; Vote Counting

Description:

Clarifies that absentee ballots must be opened and counted.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.