HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0061.018 2008-2010
To: Hawai'i County Council Chair Jay Yoshimoto and Council Members
From: Susan Dursin, P.O. Box 746, Capt. Cook, HI 96704
Hawai'i County League of Women Voters Co-president
Date: January 23, 2009
Re: Resolution 29-09, Vote By Mail
Dear Mr. Chairman and Hawai'i County Council Members:
What is happening across the country is happening in Hawai'i and definitely
in Hawai'i County. People are voting early. In the last election, forty
percent voted by mail or walked in to vote. Talking to many people who
went to the walk-in locations, I've become convinced that most would have
preferred to vote by mail. They did not request a ballot because they were
not aware they could do so, they could not find a request form, or the
deadline had passed by the time they considered it. Total Vote By Mail is
gaining momentum. It has been instituted in Oregon, in Washington, and in
Colorado county-by-county, since the states have felt that a measured
approach allows counties to make the decision and then to adjust their
practices accordingly. In those states, Vote By Mail has become virtually
statewide. That one-county-at -a-time approach has been used in other states
such as South Dakota, Minnesota, Kansas, Florida, Mississippi, Nevada,
New Mexico, Arizona, and Montana I am certain this will occur in the state
of Hawai'i before many years pass, and it would be good if our county
could lead the way now. With the competence of Pat Nakamoto and her
staff, the transition would be managed well.
Above all, Vote By Mail brings more citizens to the ballot. You have seen
the statistics of increased voter participation that results from Vote By Mail.
The increase seems to be even more pronounced in rural areas than in urban,
which has some relevance for our county. For example, Missoula County in
Montana had a rise to 45% from the truly lamentable 12-17% of previous
elections. It's wonderful to think we could have eight or ten or fifteen or
even twenty percent more people vote in Hawai'i County. I have heard
several of you say, not once but repeatedly, that the low participation in this
county has to be addressed. This is the way to do it.
Thank you for your time and interest.
Susan Dursin
Comm. No. (a ~g
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Ref. Date '.IAN 2 3 2009i