Understanding Why The Electoral Process Matters… To You, to All of Us

1. Understanding Why The Electoral Process Matters… To You, to All of Us Piilani Kaopuiki, JoAnn Maruoka Teresa Lau, Joy Marshall The League of Women Voters of Honolulu 13 April 2010

2. The League of Women Voters (LWV) strictlyNon-Partisan wholeheartedlyPolitical • National + 900 state & local Leagues • Original grassroots citizen network, consensus of women & men members • LWV-HI is statewide, comprised of county Leagues: Honolulu & Hawaii Island

3. LWV-Hawaii • The League of Women Voters is where • hands-on work to safeguard democracy • leads to community improvement • A great resource with links to other • relevant sites is the League website • www.lwv-hawaii.com

4. Elected officials make decisions about things that are important to YOU, including YOUR job, YOUR health care, YOUR environment & YOUR security • Voting is YOUR chance to choose the decision makers & tell them what YOU want So What? Why Should I Care?

5. THE PLAYERS Constitutional Election Rights 15th AMENDMENT, Section 1.The right of US citizens to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the US or by any State onaccount of race, color, or previous condition of servitude. (Ratified in 1870) 19th AMENDMENT, Section 1. The right of US citizens to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the US or by any State onaccount of sex. (Ratified in 1920)

6. THE PLAYERS (cont’d) Constitutional Election Rights 24th AMENDMENT, Section 1. The right of US citizens to vote in any primary or other election for President or VP, for electors for President or VP, or for Senator or Representative in Congress, shall notbe denied or abridged by the US or any Stateby reason of failure to pay any poll tax or other tax.(Ratified in 1964) 26th AMENDMENT, Section 1.The right of US citizens, who are18 years of age or older, to voteshall not be denied or abridged by the US or by any Stateon account of age. (Ratified in 1971)

7. An election revolves around beliefs & actions of American votersCome Election Day, no one else’s opinions matter, & no one else has control over the outcome but the votersVOTING = THE GREAT EQUALIZER IN AMERICAN SOCIETY WE THE PEOPLE

8. YOU HAVE 1 VOTE = EVERYONE ELSEWith that 1 vote, you have the power to influence decisions that will affect your lifeYour job, your taxes, your health care, your Social Security, whether the nation goes to war, you name it — they are all at stake WE THE PEOPLE

9. In May 2010 Special Election, Oahu Votes to replace US Rep Abercrombiein 1st Congressional District(Honolulu, Aiea, Pearl City, Mililani, Ewa, Ewa Beach, parts of Waipahu) • Vote-by-mail (election ends Sat, May 22) • Absentee walk-in voting at Honolulu Hale May 10 - 20, 8 am – 4 pm • Registration deadline April 22

10. In Nov 2010, Hawaii Votes on: • One of 2 US Senators • Both US Representatives • Governor, Lt Governor • Approx half of 25 State Senators • All 51 State Representatives

11. PRIMARY ElectionSat, Sep 18 • Last Day to Register Thu, Aug 19 • Early Voting: - Last Day to Request an Absentee Ballot Sat, Sep 11 - Absentee Walk-in Voting Sep 3 – 16 Walk-in polling places still to be determined Important 2010 Dates

12. GENERAL ElectionTue, Nov 2 • Last Day to Register Mon, Oct 4 • Early Voting: - Last Day to Request an Absentee Ballot Tue, Oct 26 - Absentee Walk-in Voting Oct 19 – 30 Walk-in polling places still to be determined Important 2010 Dates

13. How YOU Can Help • REGISTER to vote & help others register • TALK to people about candidates & issues • & why you feel it’s important to vote • FIND OUT if your family, friends, neighbors have what they need to make informed decisions & get to the polls… maybe all they need is a ride • DON’T GO ALONE to the polling place … • take a friend or neighbor with you

14. Make YOUR voice heard on Election Day! Get Registered! Get Informed! Get Out & Vote!

15. YOU Are Our Future!We Wish You the Best of Luck

16. Questions?