In upcoming volatile elections, what you need to know

HONOLULU (KHON2) — The United States Justice Department released new guidance was published and released to the public on Monday, Sept. 9.

The information covers how states can maintain their voter registration lists. The guidance aims to protect voters from being wrongly removed from these lists and ensure their right to vote without facing discrimination or intimidation.

Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke, who leads the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, emphasized the importance of fair voting practices.

“Ensuring that every eligible voter is able to vote and have that vote counted is a critical aspect of sustaining a robust democracy,” Clarke said. “As we approach Election Day, it is important that states adhere to all aspects of federal law that safeguard the rights of eligible voters to remain on the active voter lists and to vote free from discrimination and intimidation.”

The new guidance includes important rules about how states can update their voter lists. States must ensure their methods for removing voters are fair and non-discriminatory.

For example, if a state wants to remove ineligible voters from its list, it cannot do this within 90 days of a federal election.

Additionally, there are specific rules for removing voters who have moved to a new address.

These federal protections apply whether the process is started by the state or prompted by third-party submissions.

The Justice Department also provided a fact sheet that highlights key civil rights protections related to voting. Here are some important points.

• Section 11(b) of the Voting Rights Act : This law bans intimidation, threats, and coercion at any stage of the voting process, from registering to vote to casting and counting ballots.
• Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act : This section prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or membership in a minority language group. This includes American Indian, Asian American, Alaskan Native, and Spanish heritage citizens.
• Section 208 of the Voting Rights Act : This provision ensures that voters with disabilities or those who cannot read or write receive assistance with voting from a person of their choice. However, assistance cannot come from an employer or union.
• Section 203 of the Voting Rights Act : Some areas must provide election information in both English and covered minority languages, as determined by the Census Bureau.

The Justice Department also updated its website, which is a helpful resource for voters and election officials.

This site includes guides on various topics like voting protections for language minority citizens, voting rights after a criminal conviction and the rights of military members and overseas citizens.

It also provides information on post-election audits and requirements for preserving voting records.

For Hawaiʻi residents and those voting from Hawaiʻi while living in other states (i.e. university students), it is essential to be aware of specific voter registration and voting procedures.

Hawai ʻ i residents: Hawaiʻi voters can check their registration status and find detailed voting information by visiting the Hawaii Office of Elections website or contacting their local election office. Make sure to review deadlines for registration and mail-in ballot requests to ensure you are eligible to vote in upcoming elections.

Hawai ʻ i residents living in other states: Students and other Hawaiʻi residents living outside the state must register to vote in their new state of residence. However, they can still request an absentee ballot from Hawaiʻi. To do this, they need to complete and submit the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) through the Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP). The completed FPCA will allow them to receive a ballot for federal elections from Hawaii.

For more details on voting rights and reporting potential violations, visit the Justice Department’s website or the Civil Rights Division’s website. For more information on Hawaii’s voting laws and regulations, click here.

If you suspect voting-related criminal activity, you can report it to the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or file an online complaint at tips.fbi.gov. In case of immediate danger, always call 911.

By understanding these new guidelines and protections, voters can ensure that their voices are heard and that the democratic process remains fair and accessible for everyone.