50,000 Big Island residents have voted; ballots must be received by 7 p.m. today to count

At West Hawai‘i Civic Center’s Building G — one of two Voter Service Centers on the Big Island — a steady stream of people were arriving on Election Day morning to vote in person or cast a ballot in the outside ballot box.

It was the same case at the other Big Island Voter Service Center at the Aupuni Center in Hilo.

As of 1 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 8, the Hawaiʻi County Office of the County Clerk had received 51,399 ballots out of 112,437 ballots issued. Ballots must be received by 7 p.m. today to count.

At the civic center, Christy Aragon, a Kona resident for nearly 30 years, said she’s voted in nearly every election since she was legally allowed to vote at age 18.

“It’s a privilege not everyone has, and it’s my right to shape my government,” Aragon said.

As a woman, Aragon felt it was important to cast her vote with several states implementing legislation dealing with women’s health care.

“As women, we need to vote and have a voice,” the 49-year-old said, adding she feels like her thoughts and desires align with others in the state. “My show of support is being an active civic citizen.”

Tim Dalhouse was standing outside Building G with his wife as his stepson voted for the first time. Dalhouse ran for the Republican ticket in the primary election for the U.S. Senate seat and came in second to fellow Republican Bob McDermott.

“Everyone should be involved in how their country, state and county are run,” Dalhouse said. “If people aren’t voting, the government isn’t by the people.”

Despite living in a Democratic state, Dalhouse believes his vote counts, adding people want change in their elected officials.

“This election I think they’ll be a change toward the Republican and conservative side,” he said.

Dollhouse’s wife, Alicia Dalhouse, agreed there is a desire for change among voters.

“If we don’t vote we can’t make change happen,” she said.

Alicia Dalhouse believes her vote counts.

“If the entire island felt their vote didn’t count there wouldn’t be an election,” she said.

Dalhouse’s stepson, Scott Largent, there’s got to be order and rule to some stuff and voting in politics is a good idea.

In East Hawaiʻi, Debbie Kaahanui, election assistant in Hawai‘i County, said 195 voters showed up in the first 90 minutes today.

Both Voter Service Centers opened at 7 a.m. and will close at 7 p.m. Hawaiʻi County residents also can do same-day voter registration to cast a ballot for the 2022 General Election.

Residents flowed in and out of the small voting center in Hilo, with some hoping change is on the horizon. Acclaimed musician and Hawai‘i County resident Mark Yamanaka was among those residents hoping for change.

“It’s important to vote for the community and to help bring balance back,” he said.

Christina jung, a Hilo resident, walked out of the voting booth with her child in hand. A Republican, she is hoping this election turns out in her favor.

“It’s important to vote because there are laws that are affecting our children, our schools and our environment and I’m hoping Hawaiʻi will get a little more red,” she said.

She said if Josh Green gets elected, she is leaving the state.

“The governor will have so much power and will affect our freedoms,” she said.

Wendell Sumic, 67, of Hilo, said he was out to vote that day because it was his right.

“We are lucky to live in a country where we have the freedom to pick our leaders,” he said.

He said he hopes the new governor tackles the issue of homelessness and addresses the issues of low income housing that are plaguing the state.

Big Island Now will have fast local and state results, updated every five minutes. The first results are expected to be available at about 7:30 p.m.