SB 548 Summary

• Establishes statewide and county-level voters with special needs advisory committees to ensure equal and independent access to voter registration, ballot casting, and election services for voters with disabilities.

• Requires the Department of Public Safety and Hawaii Paroling Authority to notify individuals on parole or probation of their voting eligibility and provide voting registration and participation information.

• Implements multiple election administration improvements including minimum four precincts per district, same-day voter registration at voter service centers, and expanded electronic ballot transmission for voters with disabilities.

• Directs the Office of Elections and county clerks to determine optimal placement of voter service centers based on proximity to transit, parking, population centers, and historically underserved communities.

• Amends election deadlines and procedures including changing voter registration closure from 30 days to 10 days before elections and extending ballot validation time to seven days after election day.