KAILUA-KONA — The state Office of Elections and the Hawaii County Elections Division will be mailing absentee applications to over 6,000 voters assigned to Pahoa Community Center and Pahoa High/Intermediate due to the uncertain nature of the volcanic eruption in lower Puna.
Voters can use the absentee application to request a mail ballot for the 2018 elections or to update their address if they have relocated. Completed applications should be submitted to the clerk’s office at 25 Aupuni St., Room 1502, Hilo, HI 96720.
Election officials will continue to monitor the situation to ensure affected voters are able to cast their ballot for the upcoming elections. Hawaii statutes allow polling places to be consolidated or designated absentee mail precincts during states of emergency.
Additionally, the Hawaii County Elections Division will be providing outreach by visiting evacuation shelters in Pahoa to provide voter information to affected residents.
For additional information about absentee voting, contact the Hawaii County Elections Division at 961-8277. The Primary Election is on Saturday, Aug. 11, and the General Election is on Tuesday, Nov. 6.