Hawaii Midterm Election 2026: Can a voter with a felony conviction cast ballot? Here’s what the rule says

America will be voting in midterm elections scheduled for November 3, 2026 to elect their preferred candidates. Voters will be casting ballots to elect over 500 federal and state representatives, including the House of Representatives and Senate seats.

People will also be voting to elect 36 state governorships, among other positions. With midterm polls almost here, eyes will be set on Hawaii as it braces to cast a ballot. Among other key contests, the state will witness a gubernatorial race between incumbent Democrat Josh Green and his Republican challenger Gary Cordery.

In Hawaii, the early voting will end on November 2, a day before the general election. There are rules for voting early in person using a ballot and also for those who will be casting ballots on November 3, 2026, general election day.

Can a felony convict cast a ballot?

The Hawaii government has laid out a set of rules for those who are willing to cast a ballot in midterm polls but are sentenced to a felony. According to the Hawaii government’s office of elections website, a voter sentenced for a felony, from the time of the person’s sentence until the person’s final discharge, may not vote in an election.


Also Read: Who is Josh Green? Incumbent Hawaii governor has raised nearly 10 times more campaign funds than his Republican challenger Gary Cordery


The rules are slightly different for a person who is placed on probation or the person who is paroled after commitment to imprisonment. In that particular case, the person may register and vote during the period of the probation or parole.

Key requirements to register as a voter in Hawaii

• To register as a voter in Hawaii, a person must be:
• An American citizen. It is pertinent to note that a non-U.S. citizen, including a U.S. national, does not qualify.
• A Resident of the State of Hawaii. The mere presence of the citizen in Hawaii does not serve as proof of their residency. The person has to ensure that residency was acquired with the intent to make Hawaii the person’s legal residence with all the accompanying obligations therein.
• At least eighteen (18) years of age. Hawaii law allows eligible individuals to pre-register at 16 years of age and, upon reaching 18 years of age, will automatically be registered to vote and mailed a ballot.