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GM 1328

Informing the Legislature that on June 25, 2025, the Governor signed the following bill into law: SB176 SD1 HD1 CD1 (ACT 226).

2025 Regular Session

Act 226 enhances election integrity in Hawaii by revising automatic recount criteria, ensuring closer races are accurately reviewed and boosting voter confidence.

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Bill Summary · GM 1328

Summary of GM 1328 - Informing the Legislature of Act 226

Bill Number: GM 1328
Title: Informing the Legislature that on June 25, 2025, the Governor signed the following bill into law: SB176 SD1 HD1 CD1 (ACT 226)
Status: Received
Introduced: June 25, 2025
Classification: Proclamation
Subject: Act 226

Purpose and Intent

GM 1328 serves as a formal notification to the Hawaii State Legislature that the Governor, Josh Green, M.D., has signed into law Senate Bill 176 (SB 176), which is now designated as Act 226. The primary purpose of Act 226 is to amend the criteria for automatic election recounts in Hawaii, thereby enhancing the integrity and accuracy of election outcomes.

Key Provisions of Act 226

  1. Revised Recount Criteria:

    • The bill modifies the existing criteria for triggering an automatic recount in elections. Previously, a recount was mandated if the vote difference was:
      • Less than 100 votes between the top two candidates, or
      • Less than one-quarter of one percent (0.25%) of the total votes cast.
    • Under the new provisions, the criteria will now include:
      • A recount will be triggered if the difference is less than 100 votes or less than one-half of one percent (0.5%) of the total votes cast, whichever is lesser.

  2. Inclusion of Ballots in Initial Tabulation:

    • The bill allows certain ballots to be included in the initial tabulation, which may help ensure that more votes are counted in close races.
    • It specifies that ballots verified for initial tabulation must be included, while those deemed deficient will not be counted until verified.

  3. Clarification of Responsibilities:

    • The Chief Election Officer or county clerks are tasked with conducting recounts based on the new criteria, ensuring that all votes cast for any office or ballot question are accurately recounted when the specified thresholds are met.

Impact of the Bill

  • Voter Confidence: By expanding the criteria for automatic recounts, Act 226 aims to bolster public confidence in the electoral process, ensuring that close races are thoroughly reviewed.
  • Election Administration: The changes may require adjustments in how election officials conduct recounts and tabulate votes, potentially impacting administrative processes and timelines during elections.
  • Electoral Outcomes: The new criteria could lead to more frequent recounts in closely contested elections, which may affect the timing of final election results.

Procedural Aspects

  • Effective Date: Act 226 takes effect immediately upon approval, which occurred on June 25, 2025.
  • Legislative Process: The bill was passed by both the Senate and House of Representatives of the Thirty-Third State Legislature prior to being signed into law.

In summary, GM 1328 serves as an important legislative proclamation that informs the legislature of the enactment of Act 226, which seeks to improve the electoral process in Hawaii through revised recount criteria and procedures.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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