The recent Elections Commission meeting in Hawaii, held on December 18, 2024, highlighted significant concerns regarding the integrity and administration of elections in the state. Central to the discussions was the certification of the 2024 general election, which was confirmed to have been completed on November 20, 2024. However, the meeting revealed ongoing controversies surrounding the certification process and the legality of actions taken prior to official certification.

One of the key points raised was the legality of issuing certificates of election before the elections were certified. This issue was previously addressed in an August meeting, where a motion was passed to seek legal clarification from the deputy attorney general. Despite this, the commission appeared to be hesitant to revisit the question, prompting criticism from attendees who argued that such inquiries are essential for maintaining public trust in the electoral process.

Concerns were also voiced about the lack of investigations into election administration over the past decade. Critics pointed out that no formal inquiries have been conducted by the Elections Commission, raising questions about accountability and transparency. The meeting featured strong statements from members of the public, who accused the commission of failing to uphold the standards expected by the electorate and called for resignations from certain commissioners.

Another significant topic of discussion was the reliability of voting methods, particularly the differences in voter turnout and results between in-person voting and mail-in ballots. Attendees highlighted discrepancies in voting patterns, suggesting that the current system may not adequately reflect the will of the voters. The need for audits of mail-in ballots was emphasized, with calls for a more robust examination of the voting process to ensure fairness and accuracy.

The meeting concluded with a call for legislative reform regarding mail-in voting practices, with participants urging the commission to advocate for changes that would enhance the integrity of future elections. As the commission prepares for upcoming elections, the discussions from this meeting underscore the critical need for transparency, accountability, and public confidence in the electoral process in Hawaii.