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Hawaii’s Elections Watchdog Drags Supreme Court Into Its Drama
Two commissioners seek to restore meetings after the elections board has been stalled for four months, with staff support and chair selection at issue.
- On Friday, the Hawaiʻi Supreme Court heard oral arguments in a lawsuit filed by commissioners Ralph Cushnie and Tamara McKay, who seek to compel the Office of Elections to facilitate commission meetings.
- Internal disputes and failed votes have left the commission inactive since June 10, following the expiration of former chair Michael Curtis's term on June 30. Eight applicants competed for the position without securing the required majority.
- Cushnie and McKay argue the office is violating state law by refusing support, citing a statute requiring the office to provide staff assistance when requested. Chief Elections Officer Scott Nago contends requests must come from a five-member majority.
- Less than three weeks remain before the Nov. 3 General Election, and the commission has mandatory obligations to fulfill before polling day. The current paralysis creates urgent pressure to resolve the dispute.
- Should the court allow the commission to resume meetings, any disputes arising from the General Election are likely to consume the board's time and attention. The body typically investigates election violations and complaints.
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Two members of the Hawaii Elections Commission took legal action against the Office of Elections in the State Supreme Court after the group failed to meet since June despite mounting complaints ahead of the general election.
·Honolulu, United States
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Hawaii Supreme Court considers case of idled Elections Commission | Honolulu Star-Advertiser
A polarized and paralyzed state commission with elections oversight duties may have the Hawaii Supreme Court break an impasse that has prevented the panel from meeting since June.
·Honolulu, United States
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Winnipeg Free Press+4 Reposted by 4 other sources
Hawaii’s Elections Watchdog Drags Supreme Court Into Its Drama
For the last four months, the commission that oversees Hawaiʻi’s elections has not met — left in limbo by their own internal bickering over picking a chair and disagreements with the Office of Elections it is supposed to supervise.
·Winnipeg, Canada
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Total News Sources12
Leaning Left0Leaning Right3Center9Last UpdatedBias Distribution75% Center
Bias Distribution
- 75% of the sources are Center
75% Center
C 75%
R 25%
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