Senate Committee on Judiciary and Government Operations (JGO) - chair: Taniguchi, vice chair: Takamine

Wednesday, February 11, 2009, 9:00 A.M. Conference Room 016

Testifier: Jean Aoki, LWV of Hawaii Legislative Liaison

Click here to view SB1031

Chair Taniguchi, Vice Chair Takamine, members of JGO Committee, The League of Women Voters has to oppose SB 1031 Relating to Elections in the absence of explanations of why we should have to give the Chief Elections Officer the authority to decide what electronic or other voting systems to adopt and other important decisions concerning the elections process without any reviews of his decisions by anyone. Maybe I am misunderstanding the provisions of this bill, but the past history of voting machines leased or purchased by the state and/or considered by the state and the public's reactions to the possible total use of DREs for elections in our state should teach us that the public wants to be totally involved in the selection of voting machines and the making of other decisions where elections are concerned. Further, this bill gives the Chief Elections Officer the right to adopt different systems for different precincts when states are being encouraged to consolidate their laws, rules, so that they meet uniform state-wide standards and systems and practices. Where does the Elections Commission come in to fulfill its responsibilities of advising the Chief Elections Officer. Where do the people's reactions to proposals come in before permanent decisions are made? Elections are the public's business. Elections are the bases for our power. Without fair, honest, transparent elections open to all citizens, the people lose that power. We either need clarification of this bill, or we ask that you hold it in committee.