Pahoa Polling Places Adjusted

Chief Elections Officer Scott Nago announced Tuesday that voters who are assigned to the Pahoa Community Center and live north of the lava flow are instructed to vote at the Paradise Community Center on general election day.

Voters that have access to the Pahoa Community Center may still vote there.

“The flow is expected to cross Highway 130, cutting off access to voters living in Ainaloa and Orchidland Estates,” Nago said. “We’ll be providing poll workers at Hawaiian Paradise Community Center with the poll books and ballots to allow voters in these communities the opportunity to vote on Nov. 4.”

It is estimated that up to 2,000 voters may be affected by this move.

Additionally, county election officers mailed absentee mail applications to voters in the area and set-up an early voting location at the Nanawale Community Center, which is open through Oct. 31. These changes are meant to ensure access to voters who choose to vote on Election Day.

Election officials also want to remind voters that Tuesday is the last day to request an absentee ballot.

Absentee applications must be received by the County Clerk’s office no later than 4:30 p.m. Tuesday. Applications are available at post offices, public libraries, or the county clerk office, as well as online.