This bill amends section 11-151 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes to provide clarity on the counting process for votes on constitutional amendment questions. The intention is to improve the accuracy of the electoral process and uphold the integrity of voters' intentions. If passed, the law will ensure that every valid ballot reflects the true wishes of the electorate, contributing to a more transparent and fair voting process.
Summary
Senate Bill 2138 addresses the procedures for counting votes related to the ratification of constitutional amendments in Hawaii. The bill specifically aims to rectify the issue wherein votes that are left blank, crossed out, or otherwise defaced are counted as negative votes. By establishing clearer guidelines, the bill seeks to ensure that only ballots which explicitly indicate a 'no' vote will be counted negatively, thereby preventing unintended voter outcomes.
Contention
Debate surrounding SB2138 may center around concerns of potential voter confusion about what constitutes a valid ballot. While proponents of the bill argue it protects voters from their intentions being misinterpreted due to improperly marked ballots, critics may raise questions on whether this could unintentionally disenfranchise voters who may be unsure about how to express their votes effectively. This highlighted tension between ballot clarity and voter access will be essential in discussions regarding the bill's passage.