Today is the last day to return your ballot by mail with enough time to ensure it reached the County Elections office in time.  That’s what the United States Post Office says.  The USPS also says if you are mailing your ballot, please take it to the nearest Post Office.

When you return your ballot, be sure to follow the instructions, especially the part about signing on the outside of the envelope.  Unsigned ballots cannot be counted.

You may also return your ballot to any of the County’s secure Ballot Drop Boxes, which are available 24 hours a day through Tues., Nov. 3 at 7 p.m.

The Ballot Drop Boxes are located at:

West Hawaii Civic Center by the DMV,

Yano Hall in Captain Cook,

Police Station in Na’alehu,

Police Station in Pahoa,

Hilo County Building,

Police Station in Laupahoehoe,

Police Station in Waimea,

Police Station in North Kohala in Kapa’au.

In addition, you may drop it at either of the two Voter Services Centers on the island, at West Hawaii Civic Center in the makai-most building, and at Aupuni Center Conference Room in Hilo.

If you have not registered to vote yet, the State Election Law allows you to register and vote on the same day at either of the island’s two Voter Service Centers.  Voters who cannot vote by mail, or need assistance, may also use the Voter Service Centers. The Voter Service Centers are located at West Hawaii Civic Center in the community hale, and at the Aupuni Center Conference Room.  They are open Mondays through Saturdays, through November 2, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 pm, and Tuesday,  Nov. 3, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

There is more information at elections.hawaii.gov and at the Hawaii County Elections Office site.  If you have any questions, or if you did not receive your ballot, call County Elections at 961-8277.

If you want to ensure your ballot is received, you may check online at https://ballotstatus.hawaii.gov/

If you are undecided about the 16 Charter Amendments, click here for a link to a podcast, a discussion with Island Conversations host Sherry Bracken and League of Women Voters representatives Sue Dursin, Donna Oba, and Toni Withington explaining the amendments with pros and cons (no recommendations) or go to vote411.org

Photo is Ballot Drop Box at West Hawaii Civic Center