Voting Rights for Houseless Individuals
You have the right to vote in Hawaii elections regardless of your housing situation. The Hawaii Office of Elections provides multiple options for houseless individuals to register and vote in elections.
Registering to Vote
Voter registration is available online, as a part of driver licenses and state ID applications with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), or by completing a Voter Registration Application. Paper applications through the DMV and Voter Registration Application must be submitted by 4:30 PM on the tenth day before each election.
Primary Election
Registration Deadline: July 29, 2026
General Election
Registration Deadline: October 26, 2026
Same Day Registration Available
The County Elections Divisions provide same day registration at voter service centers. New Hawaii voters can register and vote in-person. Similarly, registered Hawaii voters can update their voter registration and vote in-person.
Address Requirements
No Address-Matching Requirement
For purposes of registering to vote, there is no address-matching requirement. If your Hawaii Driver License or Hawaii State ID contains an old address, the ID is still acceptable, and you may use the ID number to complete the voter registration application. The ID is used to verify your identity not your residence or mailing address.
Residential Address Options
A residential address is required when completing the Voter Registration Application to determine your voting district. The address can be any identifiable location in the county that describes the voter's physical location. If the residence does not have a street address, you may provide descriptors including cross streets or landmarks.
Mailing Address Options
You may indicate P.O. Box or alternate mail service option, including general delivery, as your mailing address on the application.
Proof of Identification
You are only required to provide additional proof of identification if all of the following apply:
- You are registering to vote for the first time in the State of Hawaii
- You are mailing in the application
- You are unable to provide a Hawaii Driver License, Hawaii State ID, or Social Security Number on the application
Voting Process
Register to Vote
Register online, at the DMV, or by completing a paper application. You can also register in-person at voter service centers on election day.
Receive Your Ballot
As a registered voter, you will receive a ballot in the mail at least 18 days prior to the election at the mailing address provided with your voter registration.
Cast Your Vote
You can vote by mail or cast your ballot at any voter service center within your county. Voter service centers are open ten (10) days prior to each election.
Ballot Arrival Dates
Primary Election
Ballots arrive: July 21, 2026
General Election
Ballots arrive: October 16, 2026
Key Points for Houseless Voters
Your Right to Vote
You have the constitutional right to vote regardless of your housing situation.
Flexible Address Options
Use cross streets, landmarks, or general delivery as your address.
Same Day Registration
Register and vote on the same day at voter service centers.
Mail Voting Available
Receive and return your ballot by mail to your preferred address.
In-Person Voting
Vote in-person at any voter service center in your county.
Privacy Protected
Your voting information is confidential and protected by law.
Need Help? Contact Your County Elections Division
If you need assistance with voter registration or have questions about voting as a houseless individual, contact your County Elections Division:
Hawaii County
Phone: (808) 961-8277
Email: elections@hawaiicounty.gov
Maui County
Phone: (808) 270-7749
Email: elections@mauicounty.gov
Kauai County
Phone: (808) 241-4800
Email: elections@kauai.gov
Honolulu County
Phone: (808) 768-3800
Email: elections@honolulu.gov