Question: Is it true that people who are registered to vote are more likely to be chosen for jury duty? This is a widespread belief and the reason for the low voting record.
Answer: It’s not true, simply based on numbers.
And no one really has pinpointed why Hawaii has had the lowest voter turnout — "abysmal," according to one report — in the nation the past two elections, although there are many theories and explanations.
Critics say one major factor for the low voter turnout is the state’s requirement that voter registration has to be done no later than 30 days before an election.
The state Legislature this year passed a bill, signed into law by the governor, that will allow people to register to vote up until, and including, Election Day, beginning in 2018.
Beginning in 2016, voter registration will be allowed at absentee polling places.
Let’s see whether that increases Hawaii’s voter turnout from 44 percent in the 2012 election.
But regarding jury duty: If people really are afraid of being chosen, they should not get a driver’s license.
State and federal courts in Hawaii obtain names of potential jurors from voter registration and driver’s license lists.
Previously, state taxpayer records also were a source of names.
However, the Hawaii State Judiciary no longer draws names from state taxpayer records, consistent with the federal provision requiring that federal tax information be used for tax purposes only, said Judiciary spokeswoman Marsha Kitagawa.
There are far more names on the driver’s license list than there are on the voter registration list.
"An individual whose name appears identically on both lists does not have a greater chance of being selected, as duplicates are eliminated," Kitagawa said.
However, if someone’s name is slightly different on the two lists — e.g., John A. Smith versus John Adam Smith — then that person does have a greater chance of being selected, she said.
Kitagawa also explained that the voter registration and driver’s license lists are merged and names are selected randomly by an outside vendor "using its own algorithm to help ensure the selection process is random and impartial."
Beginning Monday, approximately 235,000 juror questionnaires will be mailed to residents statewide. The questionnaires are used to help select potential jurors who may be eligible to serve in 2015.
"Although jury service takes people away from their personal and professional obligations, many of those who’ve served find it a rewarding experience," Kitagawa said. "Moreover, jury service, like voting, is a way that each and every citizen can actively participate in our government."
Question: I read in Kokua Line that when you go to vote, you must bring your photo ID. Unfortunately, the only photo ID my mother-in-law has is no longer valid because she doesn’t drive. Can any ID be used, not necessarily a photo ID?
Answer: You did not read in Kokua Line that a photo ID is required to vote.
In fact, we reported in 2012 that Hawaii was one of seven states in which a photo ID is requested but is not a requirement to vote (see bit.ly/1uAiOYt).
The number of states may have changed, but Hawaii still is among those not requiring a photo ID, said Rex Quidilla, spokesman for the state Office of Elections.
On Election Day, poll workers in Hawaii will ask for a photo ID to facilitate the verification process, but if one is not available, they will then ask for a birth date and home address.
In 2014, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures, Hawaii is one of eight states with "non-strict" requirements for a photo ID, with 12 other states having "non-strict" requirements for a non-photo ID.
Examples of non-strict requirements: a voter may sign an affidavit of identity, be vouched for by poll workers, vote on a provisional ballot or, in Hawaii’s case, be asked to provide verifying information.
To find out voter identification requirements in all the states, go to the NCSL website: bit.ly/18Szn2n.
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