A special walk-in election will be held Friday for Big Island residents who were unable to vote in Saturday’s primary due to damage from Tropical Storm Iselle. Rex Quidilla from the State’s Office of Election says this is the first time they’ve ever had to postpone an election.
The election’s office initially considered sending out absentee mail-in ballots which residents could send in over the next three weeks. But after consulting with the state’s Attorney General, Department of Defense and the Office of the County Clerk, election officials decided a walk-in election as early as Friday was their best option.
Only voters whose polling places are Hawaiian Paradise Community Center and Keonepoko Elementary School will be allowed to cast a ballot at the special election.
The outstanding votes have left the Democratic race for U.S. Senate too close to call. The campaigns of incumbent U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz and U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa were in Puna Monday rallying for votes. The special election will be held Friday August 15 at Keonepoko Elementary School from 7 am to 6 pm.
