The primary election is early this year - Aug. 11. Some people like to stand in line on election day, but I love my absentee ballot. I can study the selections at my leisure and choose wisely or ask advice on the items I haven't thought about.
The county sends me the ballot automatically now, both for the primary and general, because I asked for the "permanent absentee ballot." Anyone can sign up for that, you don't have to be absent.
Oops, I guess you have to be a registered voter. If you aren't, you will have to register. You can do that at the County Clerk's office, seventh floor of the county building.
You can sign up for an absentee ballot any time up to Aug. 4. Or if you miss the primary, you can sign up until Oct. 30.
You can get the application for permanent absentee ballot status at the County Clerk's office or at any state library or post office. Or you can download it at hawaii.gov/elections.
Of course, if you like to stand in line on election day, you can still do that. I really love the fact that I don't have to anymore.
Sally Raisbeck
Wailuku
