Big Island voters will have more time to vote during today’s primary election, thanks to a request made by Sen. Josh Green.
Big Island voters will have more time to vote during today’s primary election, thanks to a request made by Sen. Josh Green.
Green, who has no primary opponent in his district, asked the governor and attorney general to extend the hours after three polling places in West Hawaii opened late.
Voters at Kahakai Elementary School, Kona Vista Recreation Center and Kona Palisades Community Center were told the poll books and voter registration lists from Hilo were not delivered on time. Polls were supposed to open at 7 a.m., but didn’t until 8:30 to 8:45 a.m. at these three locations.
“Out of concern for those voters who were not able to vote in Kona this morning, because of delays at the polls, I made a formal request to the attorney general and the governor to extend voting hours West Hawaii to make sure everyone was able to vote,” Green said. “The governor responded positively and granted my request for our West Hawaii voters.”
Governor Neil Abercrombie has issued a proclamation to extend polling hours on Hawaii Island only by an hour and a half today. Polling locations will now close at 7:30 p.m.
“The most important issue in this situation is to make sure that everyone who wants to vote can vote. By extending the poll hours, we are making that possible,” Abercrombie said. “I also want to thank all those who are working hard to assist at all polling stations across the state.”