Relating To Registered Voters.
If enacted, HB1733 would amend Hawaii Revised Statutes, specifically section 11-23, which deals with changing the voter register and striking names of disqualified voters. The bill proposes that upon receipt of death records or other disqualifying information, county clerks must expeditiously update the general register. This would formalize a process whereby deceased individuals and those losing their voting rights are promptly removed from voter rolls, potentially enhancing the accuracy of voter registration lists in Hawaii.
House Bill 1733 aims to enhance the integrity of the electoral process in Hawaii by mandating county clerks to update the general register of voters upon receiving relevant death certificates and records of disqualification. The bill stems from a legislative concern regarding the state's failure to accurately maintain voter rolls, which in turn undermines public trust in elections. The findings reflect that Hawaii ranks last among U.S. states for election integrity, prompting the need for these changes. The proposed updates seek to address these failures and improve the situation.
While the bill is positioning itself as a necessary step towards maintaining election integrity, it may face scrutiny from various stakeholders. Concerns may arise over the implications of how effectively clerks can update records and whether the provision takes adequate consideration for individuals who wish to appeal their removal from the voter rolls. Critics might argue that the process of updating the rolls could be influenced by various factors, and not all clerks may have the resources or timeframe to do so effectively, potentially leading to errors and disenfranchisement.