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Murashige, Laura
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From: Debbie Hecht [hecht.deb@gmail.com]
Sent: Monday, January 05, 2009 10:04 AM
To: Council testimony; Billy Kenoi; Dominic Yagong; Pete Hoffman; Guy Enriques;
donishi@co.hawaii.hi.us; enaeole@co.hawaii.hi.us; jyoshimoto@co.hawaii.hi.us; Brenda Ford;
Greenwell, Kelly; dikeda@co.hawaii.hi.us
Subject: Vote by mail Resolution 29-09- VOTE YES!
Aloha Council members and Mayor Kenoi-
PLEASE VOTE YES on RESOLUTION 29-09 which recommends a vote by mail pilot project for Hawaii County.
We live in the most rural of Hawaii's counties and it is most difficult on our island for people to get to the polls.
Because of the distances between towns, it is diffcult to get the votes to Hilo from the outlying districts on election
night. Vote by mail would be more convenient, the results would be a more informed electorate and the election
results would be gained in a more efficient manner.
Happy New Year!
Debbie Hecht
989-3222
P.O. Box 4148
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96745
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WHY VOTE BY MAIL IS GOOD FOR HAWAII COUNTY
1.) VOTE BY MAIL INCREASES VOTER PARTICIPATION - In 1959, 94% of
Big Island registered voters cast general election ballots; in 2008, 67%
(despite the tremendous attention given the Presidential contest.) In 2006, ~~
only 53% cast general election ballots. Places instituting Vote By Mail
show immediate significant increase in balloting. Oregon had an 85.7
participation in 2008.
2.) VOTE BY MAIL INCREASES VOTER CONVENIENCE -Weather, driving,
work, child care, illness, and long lines are no longer an issue.
3.) VOTE BY MAIL INCREASES THE BASE OF INFORMED VOTERS -
The mailed ballot packet includes a pamphlet with explanations and pro's/
y~
Ste"
con's of ballot issues. Voters have enough time to examine the ballot and ~N
research their choices.
4.) VOTE BY MAIL MAINTAINS UNIFORMITY - A single balloting process
under centralized supervision proceeds in strict compliance with the law.
It avoids the possible glitches of malfunctioning machines or precinct
workers who may not understand every aspect of voting procedure. ,
(Note: It has become increasingly difficult to find precinct workers.
Understaffing can compromise the integrity of an election.)
5.) VOTE BY MAIL INCREASES COST EFFECTIVENESS - There is a
reduced number of precinct offcials, less training for those officials, and
lower lease costs for expensive electronic equipment.
6.) VOTE BY MAIL INCREASES EFFICIENCY -Election officials no longer
spend time arranging and monitoring absentee walk-in and election-day
voting. Effort is directed to mailing, verifying and counting of ballots.
7.) VOTE BY MAIL INCREASES CONFIDENCE IN THE ACCURACY AND
FAIRNESS OF ELECTION RESULTS -There is a paper ballot that is
verifiable and that may be audited.
8.) VOTE BY MAIL REDUCES FEAR OF FRAUD -The Hawaii County
Office of Elections will verify the signature of every voter before the ballot
is opened or counted.
9.) VOTE BY MAIL ASSURES ACCURACY IN THE GENERAL COUNTY / /
REGISTER -Mailed ballots are not forwarded by the post office but are Comm. No. ro ~
Ref. To:P(o~aµha:
Ref. Date
1/5/2009
Page 2 of 2
returned to the Offce of Elections, therefore ensuring that the County
Register is accurate without the risk of inappropriate purges.
Debbie Hecht
P.O. Box 4148
Kailua-Kona, HI 96745
(808) 989-3222
1/5/2009