HB1580 Summary

• Requires ranked choice voting (RCV) method for all elections for elected office in Hawaii, allowing voters to rank candidates by preference rather than selecting only one candidate.

• Establishes ballot procedures where voters rank candidates in order of preference, with tabulation eliminating the candidate with fewest votes each round and redistributing votes based on next preferences until a candidate achieves a majority.

• Defines 12 new election-related terms including "continuing candidate," "exhausted ballot," "election threshold," and "transfer value" to implement the RCV system.

• Requires the chief election officer and county clerks to provide voter education materials including sample ballots, voting instructions, and informational displays at polling places at least 15 calendar days before the election.

• Takes effect July 1, 2020, with the chief election officer and county clerks required to adopt administrative rules under Chapter 91 immediately to implement the ranked choice voting system.