THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	701
TWENTY-EIGHTH LEGISLATURE, 2015
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO ELECTIONS.

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

     SECTION 1.  Section 11-92.3, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (a) to read as follows:

     "(a)  In the event of a flood, tsunami, earthquake, volcanic eruption, high wind, or other natural disaster, occurring prior to an election, that makes a precinct inaccessible, the chief election officer or county clerk in the case of county elections may consolidate precincts within a representative district.  If the extent of damage caused by any natural disaster is such that the ability of voters, in any precinct, district, or county, to exercise their right to vote is substantially impaired, the chief election officer or county clerk in the case of county elections may require the registered voters of the affected precinct to vote by absentee ballot pursuant to section 15-2.5 [and may postpone the conducting of an election in the affected precinct for no more than twenty-one days; provided that any], to be returned no later than 4:30 p.m. on the       day after mailing of the absentee ballots to voters.  Any such postponement shall not affect the conduct of the election, tabulation, or distribution of results for those precincts, districts, or counties not designated for postponement[;], except that the chief election officer or county clerk shall not release statewide results until the returned absentee ballots of the affected precinct are tabulated.  The chief election officer or county clerk in the case of county elections shall give notice of the consolidation, postponement, or requirement to vote by absentee ballot, in the affected county or precinct prior to the opening of the precinct polling place by whatever possible news or broadcast media are available.  Precinct officials and workers affected by any consolidation shall not forfeit their pay."

     SECTION 2.  Section 15-2.5, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsections (b) and (c) to read as follows:

     "(b)  [Within thirty days] Immediately after the issuance of such an order, the chief election officer and county clerk shall notify all registered voters in the affected precinct of the issuance of the order.

     (c)  [Within ten days] Immediately after the printed official absentee ballots are available for the designated precinct affected by this section, the clerk shall deliver, or cause to be delivered, by hand or mail, an absentee ballot, a return envelope, and any other appropriate material to each registered voter in the affected precinct."

     SECTION 3.  Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

Elections; Natural Disasters; Postponement; Absentee Voting

Description:

Deletes authority of chief elections officer to postpone an election for up to 21 days due to damage caused by natural disaster.  Sets a deadline for the return of absentee ballots for elections postponed due to natural disasters.  Prohibits releasing of statewide election results until absentee votes in affected precinct is counted.  Requires immediate notification of all registered voters in the affected precinct of the issuance of the order of absentee voting.  Requires immediate delivery of absentee ballots following the order.

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