DACA Recipients Voting Rights and Laws in Hawaii

Can DACA Recipients Vote In State And Local Elections in Hawaii?

No, DACA recipients are not allowed to vote in state or local elections in Hawaii. Only U.S. citizens can vote in Hawaii elections.

What Are The Federal Laws And Regulations Regarding DACA Recipients’ Voting Rights In State Elections in Hawaii?

DACA recipients are not eligible to vote in state elections in Hawaii. Under Hawaii law, individuals must be U.S. citizens in order to register to vote and participate in state elections. The federal government does not have any laws or regulations that override state voting laws.

Do Any States Allow DACA Recipients To Vote In State And Local Elections in Hawaii?

No, Hawaii does not allow DACA recipients to vote in state and local elections.

How Do States Determine The Eligibility Of DACA Recipients For Voting In State Elections in Hawaii?

In Hawaii, DACA recipients are not eligible to vote in state elections, as they are not recognized as citizens. The state of Hawaii does not allow non-citizens to vote in any type of election.

Are There Distinctions Between DACA Recipients And Other Non-Citizen Residents Regarding Voting Rights in Hawaii?

No. All non-citizens, including DACA recipients, are not allowed to vote in Hawaii. The state’s constitution prohibits non-citizens from voting in all elections.

What Types Of State And Local Elections, If Any, Are Open To DACA Recipients in Hawaii?

In Hawaii, DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) recipients are eligible to vote in all state and local elections. They are allowed to register to vote and cast ballots in municipal, county, and state elections. However, DACA recipients are not currently eligible to vote in federal elections.

What Are The Requirements And Documentation Needed For DACA Recipients To Register To Vote In State Elections in Hawaii?

In Hawaii, DACA recipients are eligible to register to vote. In order to register to vote, they must meet the same requirements as other voters. Specifically, they must:

• Be a U.S. citizen
• Be 18 years of age or older
• Live in Hawaii for at least 28 days prior to the election
• Not be registered in another state
• Provide a valid form of identification, such as a driver’s license or state ID, passport, or birth certificate
• Provide proof of residency in Hawaii, such as a lease agreement, utility bill, or other official document with their name and current address
• Not be convicted of a felony or judged mentally incompetent by the court

DACA recipients should also keep in mind that they may need additional documentation in order to vote. For example, if they have recently moved to Hawaii or changed their address within the state, they may need to provide proof of their previous address in order to register and vote.

How Are The Identities And Eligibility Of DACA Recipients Verified In Places Where They Can Vote in Hawaii?

In Hawaii, DACA recipients who are eligible to vote must provide valid proof of identification such as a driver’s license, state-issued identification card, passport, or a current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, or government document that shows their name and address. The local county election officer reviews the documents to verify the identity and eligibility of a DACA recipient before allowing them to vote. In some cases, additional documents may be required.

What Is The Rationale Behind Allowing DACA Recipients To Vote In State And Local Elections in Hawaii?

The rationale behind allowing DACA recipients to vote in state and local elections in Hawaii is the same rationale behind allowing all citizens to vote, regardless of their immigration status. The right to vote is a fundamental right of citizenship, and as such, all citizens should have the right to participate in the democratic process. Allowing DACA recipients to vote in local and state elections recognizes their contributions to the community, and ensures that their voices are heard in important decisions that affect them and their families.

Which States Or Cities Have Considered Or Implemented Policies Allowing DACA Recipients To Vote, And What Are The Specifics in Hawaii?

Hawaii has implemented policies allowing DACA recipients to vote. Individuals must register with the state’s Office of Elections and provide a valid birth certificate, driver’s license or state ID, and proof of their DACA status. Those who are registered may vote in all elections except for federal elections. Additionally, those who are 16 or 17 can pre-register to vote as long as they will turn 18 by election day.

What Protections And Safeguards Are In Place To Ensure The Integrity Of DACA Recipient Voting in Hawaii?

Hawaii has taken a number of steps to ensure the integrity of DACA recipient voting.

First, the state has adopted a policy of allowing those with DACA status to obtain valid Hawaii driver’s licenses, which can then be used as a valid form of identification when registering to vote.

Second, the state also requires that all registered voters be able to demonstrate their legal residence in the state by having either a valid Hawaii driver’s license or ID card or a government document (such as a passport or birth certificate) that shows they are legally present in the United States.

Third, Hawaii has established an online voter registration system that allows DACA recipients who meet the aforementioned state requirements to register to vote from the comfort of their own home.

Finally, the state has created a hotline for questions or concerns about voting rights and voter registration for DACA recipients.

What Penalties Or Consequences Exist For DACA Recipients Who Attempt To Vote In Elections Where They Are Not Eligible in Hawaii?

In Hawaii, it is illegal for DACA recipients to vote in elections, and the penalties for attempting to do so can be severe. Consequences may include fines, jail time, and/or removal from the DACA program. Additionally, law enforcement could pursue criminal charges for voter fraud.

Do These Policies Align With Federal Immigration Laws And Voting Regulations in Hawaii?

No, they do not. Federal immigration laws and voting regulations in Hawaii are set by the United States federal government and so any local policies would need to be in compliance with these laws.

Can DACA Recipients Who Vote In State And Local Elections Impact Their DACA Status in Hawaii?

No, DACA recipients who vote in state and local elections in Hawaii do not risk impacting their DACA status. Although DACA recipients are not eligible to vote in federal elections, they can participate in state and local elections without fear of risking their status. The 2012 Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program does not require applicants to disclose any voting activities as part of the application process. Furthermore, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has made it clear that voting in state or local elections will not negatively affect an individual’s DACA status or application.

Are There Ongoing Legal Challenges Or Debates About Voting Rights And Laws For DACA Recipients At The State Level in Hawaii?

At this time, there are no ongoing legal challenges or debates about voting rights and laws for DACA recipients at the state level in Hawaii. In fact, the Hawaii Supreme Court has recognized that DACA recipients are allowed to vote in state elections. In August of 2019, the court ruled that non-citizens who have been granted deferred action status under President Obama’s 2012 Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program are legally allowed to vote in state elections, as state law does not require voters to be U.S. citizens. However, DACA recipients are still not allowed to vote in federal elections.

How Do DACA Recipients And Advocates Stay Informed About Voting Rights And Laws Specific To Their Locations in Hawaii?

DACA recipients and advocates in Hawaii can stay informed about voting rights and laws specific to their locations by following local and national news outlets, attending advocacy meetings, and using online resources such as the ACLU’s website. Additionally, they can contact local organizations like the Hawaii Immigrant Justice Center, HIRA (Hawaii Immigration Reform Advocates), and HACBED (Hawaii Alliance for Community-Based Economic Development) for specific information. They can also reach out to state government and elected officials to obtain updates on pending policies related to voting rights.

What Are The Public Opinions And Political Discussions Surrounding Voting Rights For DACA Recipients in Hawaii?



Public opinion and political discussion surrounding voting rights for DACA recipients in Hawai‘i is overwhelmingly in favor of granting them the right to vote. The state legislature has discussed the issue several times, most recently in 2019. Legislators have introduced a variety of bills that would grant DACA recipients the right to vote in local elections, including a bill that would allow them to register to vote with a valid work permit.

The public support for voting rights for DACA recipients in Hawai‘i is strong. A recent poll found that 68 percent of Hawai‘i residents support granting voting rights to DACA recipients. The poll found that there was broad support across political affiliations, with 62 percent of Republicans, 75 percent of independents, and 76 percent of Democrats supporting the measure.

Many politicians, including Governor David Ige, have declared their support for voting rights for DACA recipients, and the majority of the state’s congressional delegation has co-sponsored legislation that would grant them the right to vote in local elections. Additionally, local advocacy groups have been vocal about their support for granting DACA recipients the right to vote.

Despite this strong public and political support, voting rights for DACA recipients in Hawaii have yet to be granted. The issue has become increasingly politicized, with both Republicans and Democrats introducing bills on the matter. The current political environment makes it difficult to pass any legislation through the legislature, but advocates remain hopeful that voting rights will be granted in the near future.

Can DACA Recipients Access Resources And Information About Voting Rights And Laws In Multiple Languages in Hawaii?

Yes, DACA recipients in Hawaii can access resources and information about voting rights and laws in multiple languages. The Hawaii Office of Elections provides voter registration materials, election information, and voting-related guidance in multiple languages, including Spanish, Tagalog, Ilocano, Korean, Japanese, and Vietnamese. Additionally, the ACLU of Hawaii offers a variety of voter education materials and resources in multiple languages on their website.

What Is The Role Of Advocacy Groups And Organizations In Promoting Or Challenging Voting Policies For DACA Recipients in Hawaii?

Advocacy groups and organizations can play a critical role in promoting or challenging voting policies for DACA recipients in Hawaii. These groups can research and understand the voting laws and regulations in Hawaii and how they might affect DACA recipients. They can then use this information to raise awareness and mobilize people to make their voices heard. Advocacy groups can also collaborate with local, state, and federal lawmakers to push for changes to voting policies that would make it easier for DACA recipients to vote. Additionally, advocacy groups can provide legal assistance to DACA recipients who may face challenges due to their immigration status when it comes to voting. Finally, advocacy groups and organizations can raise public awareness about the importance of voting rights for DACA recipients and the need for a fair and equitable system that allows them to participate in the democratic process.

Where Can Individuals Find Official Information And Guidance About Voting Rights And Laws For DACA Recipients In Their State in Hawaii?

Individuals in Hawaii seeking guidance and information about voting rights and laws for DACA recipients can find official information on the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission’s website: https://hcrc.hawaii.gov/voting-rights-for-daca-recipients/. The website provides information about voting rights and registration, as well as registration forms and instructions.