The Maui News

The state of Hawaii is looking for applicants to sit on a newly created committee that will weigh in on access for voters with special needs.

The Statewide Voters with Special Needs Advisory Committee aims to ensure equal and independent voter access to voter registration, casting of ballots and other Office of Election services, according to a news release from the Governor’s Office. It was established during this year’s legislative session and became law on July 6.

The committee will consist of five members, all appointed by the governor based on recommendations from organizations in which persons with physical disabilities, including visual impairment, make up the majority of officers and members. Each member will also identify as a voter with special needs arising from physical impairment that requires an accommodation to vote.

Advisory committee members will serve for four years, meeting at least annually to review election procedures, services and technology access to information. Based on their findings, members will then make recommendations to the Office of Elections to ensure equal access and accommodations for all voters.

For more information about the committee and to apply, visit forms.ehawaii.gov/pages/ board-survey/.

Once on the boards and commissions application website, click on “Department of Accounting and General Services.”