Hawaiʻi makes voting easier than almost any other state. Once you're registered, your ballot comes to you automatically — no need to request it, find a polling place, or take time off work to stand in line.
Here's everything you need to know.
Step 1: Register to vote
Before anything else, you need to be registered. If you haven't done that yet, or need to update your address or name, check out this related resource: How to register to vote in Hawaiʻi - or go directly to https://olvr.hawaii.gov/ to register.
The standard registration deadline is 10 days before each election. If you've missed it, same-day registration is available at any Voter Service Center starting 10 business days before the election and through Election Day itself.
Step 2: Wait for your ballot in the mail
Hawaiʻi is an all-mail voting state. If you're registered, your ballot will be mailed to your address automatically — you don't need to request it. For the 2026 primary elections, ballots go out the week of July 21st.
If your ballot hasn't arrived within a few days of the expected mailing date, contact your county's Election Division or visit elections.hawaii.gov.
Step 3: Fill in your ballot
Read through your ballot carefully before marking anything. Each race will list the candidates; you mark your choice for each one. Your ballot will also include instructions; follow them closely, as incorrectly marked ballots may not be counted.
Not sure who to vote for? Take your time, and research candidates before filling in your ballot. Here at Indivisible Hawaiʻi, we follow each race carefully and share insights via email; you can subscribe to our newsletter here.
Step 4: Return your ballot
To mail in your vote, you have two options:
- By mail: Sign and seal your ballot envelope as instructed, then mail it back. For the 2026 primary, mail-in ballots must be postmarked by August 1st to be counted.
- By drop box: Drop your ballot at any official drop box in your county by 7pm on Election Day (August 8th, 2026 for the primary). Drop box locations are listed on the Office of Elections website ahead of each election.
If you prefer to hand your ballot in person, Voter Service Centers are open starting 10 business days before each election and through Election Day.
What elections will I be voting in?
When you receive your ballot, you may find more races on it than you expected. Hawaiʻi holds elections at three levels of government at the same time: local (county), state, and federal. Each level has its own elected positions, and your ballot will reflect the district you live in.
Not sure how it all fits together? Read our guide: How Hawaiʻi's three levels of government work.
Primary vs. general elections
Hawaiʻi holds two elections in most years: a primary in August and a general election in November. They serve different purposes, and both matter. Read our guide: What's the difference between a primary and a general election in Hawaiʻi?
Still have questions?
The Hawaiʻi Office of Elections is the official source for everything voting-related: registration, ballot tracking, drop box locations, and more. You can also contact your county's Election Division directly: