Hawaiʻi voter guide: Here's what to know about the 2026 election

This general election, Hawaiʻi voters will be able to vote for governor, lieutenant governor, Maui and Kauaʻi mayors, along with state legislators and county councilmembers.

There are also ballot questions: two state constitutional amendments to vote on for all Hawaiʻi voters, and several county charter amendments depending on the island one lives.

Hawaiʻi voters will also have a chance to vote for Office of Hawaiian Affairs trustees for Oʻahu, Maui and three at-large seats.

Who is running?

Voters can see who is on their ballots by entering their address on the state Office of Elections website. A full list of candidates is available in a voter guide produced by the Elections Office.

How to vote by mail

All registered voters are receiving a ballot in their mailboxes. If you did not receive a ballot, call your county clerk’s office to check for any issues with your registration or the mailing process.

Ballots should be filled out with a blue or black ink pen. If you make a mistake, do not cross it out or use whiteout. Instead, call your county elections division to request a replacement ballot.

Once you complete your ballot, either place it in your mailbox or in a neighborhood ballot drop box. After Oct. 27, you should put your ballot in a drop box to ensure itʻs submitted in time. Ballots must be received by 7 p.m. on election day, Tuesday, Nov. 3.

Other ways to vote

You can also choose to vote in-person at one of the state’s voting service centers, which open Tuesday, Oct. 20. Locations are available on the Office of Elections website.

Those who are away from Hawaiʻi can request an absentee ballot that will be mailed to them at an alternative location. Applications must be received at least seven days before the election.

How votes are counted

Votes will be tabulated at a counting center after voting closes. Chief Elections Officer Scott Nago said that the process takes place in front of official observers who represent different political parties and are independent from the Office of Elections.

“It’s not like we do it in a closed room or back room,” Nago said. “Everything is done in front of official observers — by law.”

For more information or to register to vote, visit the Office of Election's website.

Click here for the results from the 2026 Hawaiʻi primary election.

Key dates to remember:

• Friday, Oct. 16 — General election ballots arrive in mailboxes.
• Tuesday, Oct. 20 — Voter service centers open for in-person voting and same-day registration.
• Monday, Oct. 26 — Final day for first-time voters to submit a paper registration application for the general election. Voters can still register online or in-person at a voter service center.
• Tuesday, Oct. 27 — Deadline for registered voters who are out of state to request a ballot be mailed to an alternate address.
• Tuesday, Nov. 3 — General Election Day. Ballots must be received by 7 p.m. Click here for Voter Service Center and ballot drop box locations and hours.

As an HPR listener, you already know the value we bring to Hawaiʻi on a day-to-day basis. But our work is even more essential during this election year. We’re ramping up our political coverage and we need your support.

Voter resources and important links:

• Register to vote or check if you are registered. You can also call 808-453-VOTE or toll-free 800-442-VOTE from the neighbor islands
• Track your ballot with BallotTrax
• Want to know who you're voting for? Look up the candidates and ballot for your area
• Find a voter service center or ballot drop box
• Office of Elections voting report
• Kauaʻi County Elections Division
• City and County of Honolulu Elections Division
• Maui County Elections Division
• Hawaiʻi County Elections Division