EDITORIAL
The time to stamp out voter confusion is now

Hawai'i had the dubious distinction of showing the lowest voter turnout in the nation in the 2000 elections (percentage of those eligible who actually vote).

There were any number of explanations for this, ranging from voter apathy to voter complacency and even a "pox-on-all-your-houses" mentality.

But now there is a new factor in play that might drive turnout even lower than the miserable 44.1 percent of the last election: Reapportionment, along with scheduling problems, will change the voting place for about 30 percent of the voters this year.

Unless they pay attention beforehand, the voters may find themselves struggling to figure out where they should vote on election day. Many, it is feared, will simply give up.

An education campaign has been launched to educate voters on the new polling places. Pay attention, now, so you will be ready on Election Day.

But the issue is more than where to vote. You will also have to be more alert that usual in deciding whom to vote for. Because of reapportionment, you may well find yourself with unfamiliar candidates for legislative, council or other races.

You cannot assume that simply because a favorite candidate is running again, you will have an opportunity to vote for him or her.

So pay attention and learn where you should vote. And pay extra attention to the campaigning, so you will know whom you will be voting for and what they stand for.

To find out more about your election options, contact the state Office of Elections at 453-VOTE (8683) or Neighbor Islands (800) 442-VOTE (8683) or by e-mail at elections@aloha.net or check out its Web site at www.state.hi.us/elections.