StarBulletin.com

Voter registration deadline is tomorrow


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POSTED: Sunday, October 05, 2008

The deadline to register to vote in Hawaii is tomorrow, less than one month before a big Election Day that includes votes for president, three island mayors and a state constitutional convention.

Hawaii had a record low turnout of about 37 percent in its Sept. 20 primary election, but the Nov. 4 general election should generate more interest with Honolulu-born Democrat Barack Obama and Republican John McCain on the ballot for president.

During Hawaii's Democratic caucuses in February, Obama supporters formed long lines and overwhelmed caucus sites, ballooning the number of registered Democrats in the state from 22,000 to 51,000.

“;This year more than ever, it's valuable that those who feel strongly about change turn out on Election Day,”; said Hawaii Democratic Party Chairman Brian Schatz. “;Turnout was abysmal in the primary. We are hopeful that we're going to see that trend turn around as a result of the enthusiasm for Senator Obama.”;

Any Hawaii resident who is a U.S. citizen over 18 years old may register to vote. Currently registered voters who have changed their name or address since the last election should reregister.

Voter registration forms are available at post offices, libraries, the Office of Elections Web site, county clerks' offices and phone books.

Registration forms postmarked by tomorrow will be accepted, but elections officials are encouraging last-minute voters to turn in their papers in person to avoid the possibility of a mix-up.

The mayor's races will pit Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann against City Councilwoman Ann Kobayashi, attorney Billy Kenoi against Councilman Angel Pilago on the Big Island, and County Parks Director Bernard Carvalho Jr. against County Councilwoman JoAnn Yukimura on Kauai.

There are about 682,000 registered voters in Hawaii, which reflects a steady increase in each election since 2004.

Turnout was about 53 percent in 2006 and 67 percent in 2004, when Republican President Bush won a second term against Democrat John Kerry.