Hawaii Voters Shift to Drop Boxes Amid Lower Turnout

Hawaii residents cast ballots on November 4, 2026, for governor, lieutenant governor, U.S. representatives, and various local offices. Incumbent Governor Josh Green and running mate Derek Kawakami faced Republican challengers Gary Cordery and Daniel Anthony, while Representative Jill Tokuda ran against State Senator Brenton Awa for District 2.

Rex Quidilla, the Administrator for the Honolulu Elections Division, reported a 12% overall decrease in turnout compared to the 2024 general election. He noted a significant shift in voting behavior, with ballots submitted via the United States Postal Service dropping 26% compared to 2022. Conversely, drop-box usage increased to 30% of all votes cast, up from 19% in 2022. To accommodate this shift, the Honolulu Elections Division increased staffing and expanded waiting areas at voter service centers.

Leading up to the vote, the student-led initiative Our Kaiāulu Votes organized a rally in downtown Honolulu on November 2 to encourage youth participation. On Election Day, nonpartisan observers from Common Cause and the NAACP monitored polling sites to prevent interference. NAACP President Alphonso Braggs expressed satisfaction with the involvement of young voters in the process.