Democratic Party chairman’s response
Democratic Party chairman’s response
As the chairman of the Hawaii County Democratic Party, I appreciate the opportunity to respond to Mr. Reed Vallance’s questions (Tribune-Herald, Your Views, March 29).
May I start off, however, by thanking all of our members — new ones and longtimers — who took the time and effort to come out to vote Saturday in our party’s presidential preference poll. There were long lines and extended wait times at many polling locations islandwide. While this was an inconvenience to many, and challenging for the large number of Hawaii Island Democratic Party volunteers who were helping run the process, I see it as a sign that democracy is alive and well on our island.
Also, you can rest assured the Democratic Party at the state and local levels is doing an extensive review of ways in which the process can be streamlined in the future, so constructive feedback is most appreciated.
However, I think one thing needs to be made very clear. This was a Democratic Party-run function, not a state Division of Elections-run process.
As such, it did not cost taxpayers millions of dollars as it was entirely staffed by volunteers. Months and thousands of volunteer hours were spent statewide in planning leading up to this event.
If you remember the polls in 2008 when President Barack Obama was elected using the same party-run process, there were very long lines, a lack of ballots and many other issues. That poll set a new record turnout by a wide margin from any previous polls.
In planning for the 2016 poll, we carefully looked at those numbers and what worked and what was problematic in 2008 and did our best to make the process work better for all.
In 2008, 5,868 Democrats turned out to vote on Hawaii Island. I personally did not think we would reach those numbers this year, and statewide poll numbers for 2016 did not reach 2008 levels. However, on Hawaii Island, 7,254 voted Saturday.
In District 3, which had particularly long lines, 842 Democrats cast their ballots. In 2008, only 204 people voted in that district. This is more than a four-fold increase in 2016! Even though we all know the population of Puna has grown, we never dreamed turnout would be four times greater!
Many ask why the Division of Elections process is so much smoother. In addition to paying a very large contingent of people to work the polls from before 7 a.m. until well after 6 p.m. on Election Day, and also for early walk-in voting, I would refer you to the Division of Elections website. If you look at the dates for the coming primary election Saturday, Aug. 13, the last date to register to vote in that election is July 14. That gives plenty of lead time for planning.
People were able to walk in and register to vote and join our party at the polls Saturday. If we had cut off voting to all who were not registered a month in advance, it would have been a very smoothly run process. But this is one thing the Democratic Party will never consider as we make plans for future polls. We want maximum participation in our poll and always will allow folks to sign up and join the party that day.
To suggest there is some kind of conspiracy here is beyond ludicrous. Our state party always has been committed to maximum inclusion, and that will remain into the future.
Again, thank you for taking the time to vote. I also would encourage you to become an active Democratic Party member so you can help us make the next poll more efficient. There are many ways to get involved in the party, and this is just one of them.
Phil Barnes
Chairman, Hawaii County Democratic Party