URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO PROVIDE INFORMATION TO STUDENTS ON HOW TO PREREGISTER TO VOTE PRIOR TO REACHING VOTING AGE.

HR26

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.R. NO.

26

THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026

STATE OF HAWAII

HOUSE RESOLUTION

URGING THE DEpartment of education TO Provide information
to students on how to preregister to vote prior to reaching voting age
.

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WHEREAS, civic
participation is fundamental to a healthy democracy and that young adults aged
eighteen to twenty-four represent a growing portion of Hawaii's electorate; and

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WHEREAS, according
to the United States Census Bureau, fewer than forty per cent of young adults
participated in state elections from 2014 to 2024; and

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WHEREAS, voting
at a young age creates and empowers lifelong voters, as data shows that after
an individual votes once, the individual often becomes a habitual voter; and

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WHEREAS, this
lack of participation is primarily the result of informational and time
barriers, which have pronounced effects on youth from low
‑
income
backgrounds, who are twice as likely to miss registration deadlines or run out
of time; and

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WHEREAS, by
making information on voter preregistration and registration more accessible
for people sixteen years of age and older, the State can empower a new
generation of lifelong voters; and

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WHEREAS, public
schools, including charter schools, are excellent venues for preregistering and
registering students to vote, since schools already require participation in a
democracy and civics class for graduation, and therefore have the foundation to
help increase civic engagement; now, therefore,

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BE IT
RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Thirty-third Legislature of the
State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2026, that the Department of Education provide
information to students on how to preregister to vote prior to reaching voting
age; and

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BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED that the Department of Education is urged to provide specific
information regarding:

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(1)
�
Voting eligibility information and guidance
published by the office of elections;

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(2)
�
Procedures for properly completing and
submitting a voter registration application to the Hawaii online voter
registration system, the appropriate county clerk, or through other lawful
means;

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(3)
�
Information on opportunities to register to
vote; and

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(4)
�
Information on opportunities for students
sixteen years of age or older to volunteer at a voter service center, including
information on how to sign up through the office of elections website; and

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BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED that the Department of Education make available paper copies of voter
registration and preregistration application forms; and

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BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED that the Department of Education make available resources describing
accessible voting options and accommodations to students who require assistance
to vote due to a disability, visual or hearing impairment, or inability to read
or write; and

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BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED that the Department of Education designate the last two full weeks in
September of each year as "high school voter registration and
preregistration weeks", which shall include activities to:

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(1)
�
Raise civic awareness among high school
students;

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(2)
�
Encourage eligible students ages sixteen or
seventeen to preregister or register to vote; and

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(3)
�
Include, to the extent available, state or
county election employees or officials who can preregister and register
students at school personnel campuses; and

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BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED that a certified copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the
Superintendent of Education.

OFFERED BY:

_____________________________

Report Title:
�

DOE;
Voter Registration; Voter Preregistration; High Schoolers