Hawaii House Bill HB1476

Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

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

Caption

Relating To Elections.

Impact

The bill significantly alters how voters receive crucial election information. By establishing a digital guide, it promotes an inclusive approach to education on candidates and ballot measures. The guide will include candidate statements, explanations of constitutional amendments, and any proposed county charter amendments or initiatives. This accessibility is essential in ensuring that all voters, regardless of their ability to read standard print, have equal access to the information they need to make informed voting decisions.

Summary

House Bill 1476 aims to enhance voter information accessibility in Hawaii by requiring the Office of Elections to create a digital voter information guide. This guide will be made available on the Office of Elections' website in a format accessible to individuals with disabilities. To further support inclusivity, the guide will also be translated into Olelo Hawaii, the Hawaiian language, and printed copies will be mailed to voters upon request. This legislation reflects an ongoing effort to modernize electoral processes and improve voter engagement in the state.

Contention

While generally seen as a positive step towards voter inclusiveness, there could be concern over the funding for this initiative. The bill appropriates unspecified sums for its implementation for the fiscal years 2023-2024 and 2024-2025. There may be debates over the sufficiency and allocation of these funds, as well as the logistical aspects of ensuring that the digital guide meets all necessary accessibility standards as mandated by federal regulations.