Honolulu Star-Advertiser Letter to the Editor - Intimidation of Hawaii voters can’t be allowed
Disturbing incidents of voter intimidation occurred throughout Hawaii on Election Day.
Arguably, the most egregious occurred at Honolulu Hale, where a group of people carrying a Proud Boys flag and a large stick approached the long line of voters, shouting, intimidating and threatening physical violence, according to Common Cause Hawaii election protection volunteers. The group left before police or staff arrived.
These reported actions are not just reprehensible, they are unacceptable in a democracy. This can also be considered as terroristic threatening, a felony, as defined in Hawaii Revised Statutes § 707-716(b).
Hawaii’s laws already prohibit electioneering within 200 feet of a polling place (HRS § 11-132). This protection needs to be extended to any voter waiting in line to vote, to register to vote, or to deposit a ballot in a place of deposit — beyond the 200 feet. We must protect democracy’s most fundamental pillar, the right to vote.
Danielle Bass
Brodie Lockard
Board members, Common Cause Hawaii
