Candidates for local, state and federal offices will be able to pull nomination papers or file them in person in Hilo by appointment, under a new procedure starting May 4.
Candidates must complete their paperwork, gather verified signatures, pay their fee and file by June 2 if they want to be on the ballot. But government offices being closed because of the coronavirus pandemic has made it difficult for some of them to do so.
“We’re kind of shifting gears,” said county elections administrator Pat Nakamoto on Tuesday. “There are a lot of people pulling nomination papers and not filing.”
Nakamoto said some 35 candidates had pulled papers but hadn’t filed as of Friday.
Although the in-person appointments won’t begin until May 4, candidates should call the division and leave a message before then so appointments can be arranged. The number is 961-8277.
Candidates must wear masks in the office, and staff will also be wearing them.
The new procedure applies to the Hilo office only. The Kona office will remain closed, Nakamoto said.
“We will still accommodate Kona candidates by email if they are unable to come to the Hilo office,” she said.
Candidates can download the application to pull papers at https://elections.hawaii.gov/wp-content/uploads/Application-for-a-Nomination-Paper-fillable.pdf. It can then be mailed to the Elections Office at 25 Aupuni St., Suite 1502, Hilo, HI 96720.
The Elections Division also has a table outside its Hilo office for those wanting to register to vote, in case they prefer to do it in person.
Find additional information and election-releated resources online at www.hawaiicounty.gov/our-county/legislative/office-of-the-county-clerk/elections-information.
Email Nancy Cook Lauer at ncook-lauer@westhawaiitoday.com.