THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	2854
THIRTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE, 2022
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to election results.

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

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that Hawaii is the only state that employs the practice of delaying the release of election results until the last voter has completed voting. The State should limit delays of Hawaii's initial election results for voters, media, and other election stakeholders.

The purpose of this Act is to require the chief election officer or clerk in the case of county elections to release available initial election results no later than 8:00 p.m. with the exception of results for any contests affected by a postponement or extension of voting hours.

SECTION 2. Section 11-131, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:

"§11-131 Voter service center hours. The hours of voting at voter service centers shall be:

(1) Regular business hours as prescribed in section 11-109 and by the clerk; and

(2) On an election day, from 7:00 a.m. until the closing hour of voting.

If, at the closing hour of voting, any voter is standing in line at a voter service center with the desire of entering and voting, but due to the voter service center being overcrowded has been unable to do so, the voter shall be allowed to vote. No voter shall be permitted to enter or join the line after the prescribed hours of voting specified in this section. Notwithstanding any final voting activity that may be occurring pursuant to this section, the chief election officer or clerk in the case of county elections shall release available initial election results no later than 8:00 p.m. with the exception of results for any contests affected by a postponement or extension of voting hours pursuant to section 11-92.3."

SECTION 3. New statutory material is underscored.

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

INTRODUCED BY:

_____________________________

Report Title:

Election Results; Voting By Mail; Time

Description:

Requires the Chief Election Officer or clerk in the case of county elections to release available initial election results no later than 8:00 p.m. with the exception of results for any contests affected by a postponement or extension of voting hours.

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