Maybe the last name on the list will win

Some Hawaii voters who have received their mail-in ballots are upset that the four presidential candidates are not listed in alphabetical order, as called for under state law. Republican candidate Mitt Romney is first, followed by Jill Stein of the Green Party, Gary Johnson of the Libertarian Party and, finally, incumbent President Barack Obama of the Democratic Party.

Fans of the president are worried that his placement at the bottom might cost him a few votes, and that it’s insulting as well, since all other candidates on the ballots are listed in alphabetical order.

No comment on the insult issue, but does the order in which they are listed really affect how many votes each candidate gets? If so, then Libertarian Gary Johnson might be the one with the most to complain about, since his name would have appeared first, instead of third.

On the other hand, you would think most people have already made up their minds by the time they actually vote. They just have to be extra careful in finding the correct name.

Political debates galore on Monday

Political junkies might well be overdosing on giddiness Monday, with three major debates scheduled.

First, there’s the final presidential debate between Barack Obama and Mitt Romney, to be shown live at 3 p.m. on most major stations.

Then there’s the final TV debate for Hawaii’s U.S. Senate seat, between Mazie Hirono and Linda Lingle, at 6:30 p.m. on KGMB, KHNL and KFVE, co-sponsored by the Star-Advertiser.

Finally, there’s the U.S. House debate between Colleen Hanabusa and Charles Djou, at 8 p.m. on KHON-TV2.

Just two more weeks to go …