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HB 2528

PROPOSING AMENDMENTS TO THE HAWAII STATE CONSTITUTION TO REQUIRE RANKED-CHOICE VOTING IN ELECTIONS AND ELIMINATE PRIMARY ELECTIONS.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Ikaika Hussey and 3 co-sponsors

Hawaii constitutional amendment replacing primary elections with ranked-choice voting in general elections, eliminating single-choice ballot selection and requiring preference ranking.

Referred to JHA, FIN, referral sheet 6
#constitutionalamendment #elections #primaryelections #ranked-choicevoting #repeal(conam)
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Bill Summary · HB 2528

Legislative bill overview

HB 2528 proposes a constitutional amendment that would replace Hawaii's current primary election system with ranked-choice voting (RCV) in general elections. Voters would rank candidates by preference rather than selecting a single choice, and candidates would be elected based on preference redistribution if no candidate achieves a majority on the first count. The amendment eliminates the separate primary election process entirely.

Why is this important

This represents a fundamental change to Hawaii's electoral mechanics that could affect voter choice, candidate viability, and campaign strategy. It raises questions about voter accessibility and understanding of a more complex voting method, while potentially reducing the two-party system's gatekeeping power over which candidates appear on ballots.

Potential points of contention

  • Voter complexity and accessibility: RCV requires voters to rank multiple candidates; critics worry this could increase spoiled ballots, confuse some voters, and raise barriers for elderly or less-educated populations, while supporters argue it encourages informed voting
  • Elimination of primaries: Removing primaries eliminates a mechanism where smaller-party and grassroots candidates gain visibility and viability; this could either expand or restrict candidate diversity depending on implementation
  • Implementation costs and logistics: Administering RCV requires new voting equipment, staff training, and ballot design changes; cost estimates and feasibility in Hawaii's counties remain unclear

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

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