Naʻi Aupuni: 8 Days Left to Vote in Native Hawaiian Election

Maui delegate candidates. Photo credit: Naʻi Aupuni.

There are eight days left for certified Native Hawaiians to cast their votes for delegates to the ‘Aha, or constitutional convention. The deadline for votes to be received by traditional mail or online is Nov. 30, 2015.

Those intending to use paper ballots should mail them as soon as possible so they arrive at the Election-America offices in New York City by midnight HST on Nov. 30, 2015.

Because the deadline to vote is rapidly approaching, Naʻi Aupuni suggests that those intending to vote by traditional mail should consider casting their ballots online.

All voters, including those with paper ballots, can vote online by going to the the Naʻi Aupuni site or the Election-America website, and clicking on the “Vote Now” button. Voters will be asked to enter the election code and voting PIN number, found at the top right of their paper ballot. Only votes cast before the Nov. 30 deadline will be counted.

For questions or assistance with the voting process, voters can contact Election-America at [email protected] or call Election-America toll-free at (844) 413-2929. Information about the election process also can be found at Na‘i Aupuni’s website or by emailing [email protected].

About 200 candidates are vying for 40 delegate spots. Those elected will take part in the ʻAha which will be held on Oʻahu and run between February and April in 2016 over 40 business days. It will be up to the delegates to choose a method of Hawaiian self-determination or not. If the delegates create a governing document, a ratification vote by registered Hawaiians may take place.

• The results of the election of ‘Aha delegates will be announced publicly on Dec. 1, 2015.

Naʻi Aupuni is an independent organization made up of a volunteer board of directors from the Hawaiian community. It was established solely to help establish a path for Hawaiian self-determination and is guiding an election, convention and ratification process where all Hawaiians who wish to participate can be heard.