It’s Election Day: Voter Service Centers on Big Island busy during morning; open until 7 p.m.

In the first few hours of voting on Election Day, the Big Island’s two Voter Service Centers were both busy.

About 500 people came through the Voter Service Center at the Hawai‘i Aupuni Center in Hilo, according to security guard Rodney Caris.

“Oh yeah, it has been busy today already,” he said while directing voters into the proper lines. ” “People have been constantly coming in. I’m glad it wasn’t raining like yesterday, because I don’t think as many people would show up.” 

At the Voter Service Center at the West Hawai’i Civic Center in Kona, people snaked around the outdoor rotunda to cast their ballot.

Entering Building G, men and women walked in ballot in hand and exited with an “I voted” sticker.

According to Hawai’i County Clerk Jon Henricks, at least 1,000 people voted this morning and lines are forming at both Voter Service Centers in Hilo and Kona.

“We are definitely seeing a surge of both in-person voters and voters dropping off their ballots in our drop boxes,” said Henricks, who oversees the Office of the Hawai’i County Clerk Elections Division. “We are definitely seeing more voters this year compared to 2022, especially with the national race and the mayor’s race.”

Although he said he is not sure if the county will reach the 88,000 ballots cast in 2020.

Hawaiʻi County residents have until 7 p.m. today to drop off their mail-in ballots at 10 locations.

They also can register to vote and vote in-person until 7 p.m. at the county’s two Voter Service Centers.

Personnel at the centers will assist voters who missed the mail-in registration deadline. The centers have voting machines for people wanting to fill out a ballot in-person.

As of 9 p.m. Monday, 66,710 ballots had been received out of the 120,831 residents who are registered. As Election Day approached noon, the number surpassed 70,000, according to Henricks.

“Luckily, I’ve heard of no issues from either Kona or Hilo so far,” Henricks said. “I just talked with a voter with mobility issues here in Hilo, and he said everything was easy and everyone had ‘Aloha,’ which is great to hear.”

Because the Department of Education made Election Day an official holiday for public schools, Jericho and Auana, who declined to give their last name, brought their two young daughters to the Hilo Voter Service Center.

“Voting with kids is a little harder than going by yourself, but it wasn’t a bad process,” Auana said. “Everyone is very accommodating and understanding.”

Jericho said their kids are young, but “we try to teach them that it is important to vote in every election and to use your voice when you have the opportunity.”

As a first time voter, Taylor Bliss, 33, decided it was finally time to make his voice heard in part to make change for his community and to protect the rights of his loved ones. 

“I think living here for five years, I see the importance of voting in local elections and learning about public policies so we can make change happen here,” Bliss said. “We are so far from mainland politics, so if there is a natural disaster, it’s important to vote for the local policies or people that will react in a way that is helpful to us.”

Bliss never planned on voting in his entire life, but decided that now is the most important time ever to take the initiative for not just himself, but for the people he loves and cares about.

“Right now, it’s a little bit worse of a time than it used to be, so it’s much more important for me to vote for everyone’s rights,”  Bliss said.  “As a white male, I thought if I didn’t vote, it wouldn’t matter because my voice didn’t need to be heard.”

In Kona, Leslee Cook, 72, proudly placed her sticker on her shirt on Tuesday morning: “I was a bleeding heart Democrat but they’re warmongers now.”

Cook switched parties because she was tired of hearing “vile hatred” spewed on national news networks CNN and MSNBC.

“I’m trusting the highest good will come out of this,” Cook said, adding former President Donald Trump is for peace and health.

Angela Gonzalez, 49, of Kona, has been voting since she turned 18 years old. 

“As a citizen of this country, it’s our responsibility to vote if we want a say,” Gonzalez said. “Every vote counts.”

Gonzalez wouldn’t disclose who she voted for president, saying she chose the candidate based on her values.

Ganesh Lenge, 41, Kona, also has been voting since he was 18 years old. He feels it’s his duty as an American to cast his vote.

“This election more than ever in my lifetime is important,” he said, adding with Harris on the ticket, he wanted to be part of the history.

“I’m proud to say I voted for Harris and Walz,” he said. “Their plan for America is in line with my values.”