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Murashige, Laura
From: Maiden Temple [tcmet@hawaii.rr.com] Sent: Tuesday, January 20, 2009 8:06 PM 2009 JON 21 9.19 8 33
To: Counciltestimony@ co.hawaii.hi.us
Subject: Vote By Mail (1.1(:[i CLERK
CUIINT'' IF H•WAH
Dear Council Chair Jay Yoshimoto and Members of the Hawaii'i County Council:
I am in favor of the Vote By Mail bill and request that all of you vote for it and give this efficient, less
expensive procedure a chance.
I believe Vote by Mail will increase:
1. VOTER PARTICIPATION - In 1959, 94% of Big Island registered voters cast general election ballots; in
2006, only 53% cast general election ballots. In 2008, only 67% cast general election ballots, despite the
tremendous attention to the Presidential contest. Other states instituting Vote By Mail have shown
immediate and significant increases in balloting. Oregon had an 86% participation in 2008.
2. VOTER CONVENIENCE - Weather, transportation, work, child care, illness and long lines would no
longer be issues.
3. the number of INFORMED VOTERS - The mailed ballot packet would include a pamphlet with
explanations and pros/cons for ballot issues. Voters would have time to examine the ballot, read the
enclosed material, and research their choices.
4. COST EFFECTIVENESS - Reducing the number of precinct officials, having to provide less training for
those officials, and lowering the expenses for expensive electronic equipment at the precinct polls would
reduce the expenses of elections. As it is now, the County has trouble finding enough precinct workers.
5. EFFICIENCY - Elections officials no longer would spend as much time arranging and monitoring
absentee walk-in and election-day voting. Effort is directed to mailing, verifying signatures, and counting of
ballots.
6. CONFIDENCE IN THE ACCURACY AND FAIRNESS OF ELECTION RESULTS - There will be a paper
ballot that is verifiable and may be audited.
I also believe Vote By Mail MAINTAINS UNIFORMITY - A single balloting process, under centralized
supervision, would proceed in strict compliance with the law. It would avoids the problems of malfunctioning
machines or precinct workers who may not understand every aspect of voting administration.
Contrary to some of those opposing the bill, I believe Vote By Mail would result in REDUCING FRAUD because
the County Office of Elections will have to verify the signature of every voter before the ballot is opened or
counted.
Please pass the Vote By Mail bill and give this pilot project the opportunity to help our community vote.
Thank you.
Maiden Temple
73-4595 Old Mamalahoa Hwy.
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
(808) 325-6775
Comm. No. I • AV ,
Ref. To: P
Ref. Date 3 2009
1/21/2009