RES 507 Draft 01 2012-2014 - Laserfiche WebLink

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(c) Vote By Mail increases confidence in the accuracy and fairness of election results because there is as a paper ballot that is verifiable and may be audited; and (d) Vote By Mail reduces fears of fraud because the county office of elections will verify the signature of every voter before the ballot is opened or counted, and (e) Vote By Mail improves accuracy in the general county register because mailed ballots are not forwarded by the post office but are returned to the county office of elections; therefore, the general county register is kept accurately without the risk of inappropriate purges; and (f) Vote By Mail maintains uniformity because centralized supervision of ballot processing in strict compliance with the law; and (g) Vote By Mail allows voters to keep their ballots for a longer period of time to study their choices and to research their questions before casting their votes; and (h) Vote By Mail is cost effective because there is a reduced number of precinct officials, less training of precinct officials and captains, and lower lease costs for expensive electronic equipment. The purpose of this Act is to establish a Vote By Mail in the State of Hawaii to be utilized as the exclusive means of casting a ballot for a federal, state, and county, primary, general, or special election. SECTION 2. The Hawaii Revised Statutes is amended by adding a new chapter to be appropriately designated and to read as follows: "Chapter _ Vote By Mail § -1 Definitions. As used in this chapter, unless the context clearly requires otherwise: "Ballot" shall have the same meaning as defined in HRS section 11-1. "Ballot package" means a non-forwardable, mailed package containing: an official ballot, a return identification envelope, a secrecy envelope, a Voters' Pamphlet, instructions on Vote By Mail and any other information that the county office of elections official deems appropriate. "Chief election officer" means the individual defined in HRS section 11-1. "County" shall have the same meaning as defined in HRS section 11-1. "Dropsite" means a location where a ballot may be returned in person without postage. 2