by Andrew Walden

According to the Office of Elections, eight political parties have petitioned for access to the Hawaii ballot.  This marks a big turnaround for third-party activity in Hawaii since three minor parties lost ballot access after disappointing results in the 2022 elections.

Democrats, Republicans, and Libertarians are being joined by five new parties which submitted the 862 signatures required for ballot access prior to the February 22, 2024 deadline.  But Hawaii Democrats are challenging the validity of signatures gathered to obtain ballot access for Robert Kennedy’s anti-vaxxer ‘We The People Party.’  National-level polling shows Kennedy pulling more votes from Biden than Trump.

A notation on the Office of Elections website reads: “We The People has petitioned to qualify for the 2024 Elections. Objections to this party’s petition can be made by any political party and must be filed with the Office of Elections by March 21, 2024, 4:30 p.m.”

No mention is made of complaints against any other party petition.

According to community activist Choon James:

“I called the Office of Elections and was told that the hearing Thursday, March 28, 2024, was not open to the public. It would be a virtual meeting. It makes no sense that this election process would not be public-friendly.

“I cannot recall the Democratic Party of Hawaii opposing other parties ever.   The Democratic Party of Hawaii did not oppose ‘The American Shopping Party’ or ‘Aloha Aina Party’ in 2020.”

The Hawaii Democratic Party told reporters March 28, 2024: “Everyone should play by the rules — especially in an election where so much is on the line, including the perceived integrity of our democratic institutions. We are asking that the rules be enforced and the sanctity of Hawaii’s ballot be upheld.”

The eight parties are:

• Democratic Party of Hawaii (D)
• Green Party of Hawaii (G)   
• Libertarian Party of Hawaii (L)
• No Labels Hawaii (NL)         
• Hawaii Republican Party (R)
• Party for Socialism and Liberation (SL)
• Solidarity Party of Hawaii (S)         
• We The People (W)  

UPDATE -- Office of Elections Spokesperson Nedielyn Bueno tells Hawai'i Free Press the hearing originally scheduled for March 28 was continued and is now scheduled for Friday, April 5 at 10am HST.  "The hearing is open for public viewing. Specifically, it will be open to the public to view, but only the parties and their witnesses will be able to participate."

Join Zoom Meeting: In the Matter of the Political Party Qualification of We The People https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83475466582

Meeting ID: 834 7546 6582

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UPDATE April 20, 2024: RFK Jr. will appear on Hawaii ballot, third state to include him

Feb 2023: Minor Parties to be Removed from Hawaii Ballot