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GRC -7 <br />Page 2 Comm. 391/Res. 170 -11 <br />State level? Ms. Ford, replied no but experience with them on this indicates they are reluctant to <br />change. Mr. Onishi suggests we contact the State to see if they would want this due to cost. <br />Mr. Yoshimoto asked Ms. Ford if there wasn't a previous resolution on this subject. She replied <br />that there was but died in committee. This one is identical with the addition of a FAQ section <br />and a justification sheet. Mr. Yoshimoto asked if this bill eliminates our current voting options <br />and would only have VBM? Ms. Ford replied yes and has shown to improve voter turnout. Mr. <br />Yoshimoto likes more options and sees the advantages of VBM but would like to see it as an <br />additional option. There was a 53% turnout in the Presidential election year and we should reach <br />out to make voting more convenient. The current system provides three options and that's good <br />but would rather add than to eliminate. <br />Ms. Smart disagreed with Mr. Yoshimoto. She grew up with VBM in Oregon and feels people <br />don't vote due to the inconveniences. The best part of this bill is voter education by presenting <br />information pro and con on issues. This is a very good system. People will be able to read, <br />understand and practice before sending in their ballot. <br />Mr. Yoshimoto does not disagree that this may work in Oregon but lets not eliminate what we <br />have but just add to it as another option. <br />Mr. Yagong personally enjoys voting and bring the family to show the importance and process. <br />Over the past several elections the turnout has been very dismal. Question is if we should do <br />something to improve voter turnout. Key consideration is convenience. The public travels far to <br />work then. Going to vote won't happen even with employers giving time off to vote. Many <br />have two jobs and going to another location to vote is inconvenient and will not happen. With <br />the complexity and technology of today's world we should make things more convenient. <br />Hawai`i County could lead the way like we did in clean elections. We need to change with the <br />times and offer improved convenience. <br />Mr. Hoffman agrees with the intent of this bill and the state has a dismal voter turnout record. <br />Statistics only show registered voters so the numbers are even smaller when we consider the total <br />unregistered. Clean elections met with lots of objection but is now working. Mr. Yoshimoto <br />sees this bill as taking away options but this actually reduces cost. The state has already reduced <br />voting districts and in district 9 its been reduced from nine to 3. Resistance to change is known <br />lets open our minds for a pilot program. Let's give this one a chance. <br />Mr. Blas supports this bill. He lives in a rural area and convenience is a good thing. He sees <br />savings in money and in travel costs. Additionally, our seniors and the disabled won't need rides. <br />Mr. Onishi, speaking of his finding at a WIR conference last year, he suggests that we should <br />speak to the Oregon representative he spoke with and ask about the success in Oregon. We do <br />have options. Bottom line is education and we should address that first. We need to connect <br />with the state elections office to get support first. Asked Mr. Pilago to make contact with <br />Oregon representative at next WIR conference. Mr. Pilago agreed. <br />Mr. Yoshimoto feels that convenience is served by the need to improve education. Voters in the <br />last election were 81% walk -in and 19% by mail. Better to have more options and improve <br />education. <br />