Hawaii House Bill HB1476

Hawaii 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/25/23
• Refer: 1/30/23

Caption

Relating To Elections.

Impact

The introduction of the digital voter information guide represents a significant development in Hawaii's electoral process, particularly in promoting inclusivity among voters with special needs. By making important electoral information readily available online and in accessible formats, the bill aims to empower voters who might face challenges with standard print formats. Furthermore, the requirement for a physical copy to be mailed upon request addresses accessibility on multiple fronts, ensuring that voters who may not have internet access are still well-informed.

Summary

House Bill 1476 aims to enhance the accessibility of electoral information by requiring the Office of Elections in Hawaii to prepare and disseminate a digital voter information guide. This guide will be hosted on the Office of Elections’ website in a format that is accessible to individuals with disabilities, ensuring compliance with federal accessibility standards. Additionally, the guide will include essential information about candidates and proposed constitutional and charter amendments, improving voters' understanding and engagement during elections.

Contention

The bill may encounter contention primarily around the allocation of funds for its implementation. The appropriated sums to facilitate the preparation and mailing of these digital guides could be a point of debate within legislative discussions, particularly regarding budget priorities. Moreover, although the bill enhances accessibility, concerns may arise from certain stakeholders about the adequacy of outreach efforts to inform voters, especially those who are most at risk of being unaware of available resources. The efficacy of the proposed measures in genuinely increasing voter participation will likely be scrutinized.