FACTSHEET
SPECIAL ELECTIONS
For the City and County Honolulu Special Elections, a candidate must receive a majority of votes cast for the office to be elected. If no candidate receives a majority, a second special election is held in conjunction with the general election between the two candidates receiving the most votes. The candidate with the highest number of votes at this second special election is deemed elected.
To
calculate a majority, add the votes for all of the candidates in the respective
contest, divide that sum by two, and add one. NOTE: “Blank votes” and “over votes” are not
included in the calculation of a majority for the City Special Elections.
EXAMPLE:
Results
of the First Special Election.
|
Candidate A............................... 300
Candidate B............................... 100
Candidate C.............................. 150
Blank Votes............................... 101
Over Votes................................ 159
Total (sum)................................ 810 |
Step 1: Add the votes cast for each candidate. |
Candidate A............................... 300
Candidate B............................... 100
Candidate C.............................. 150
Total (sum)................................ 550 |
Step 2: Divide the sum of the votes cast by two. |
550 ÷ 2 = 275 |
Step 3: Add one to the result from Step 2. |
275 + 1 = 276 votes required |
RESULT: Candidate
A wins the first Special Election by a majority of votes cast.
The second Special Election will not be held. |
|
CAUTION: The
percentage figures appearing in the Teamwork printout include
"blank votes" and "over votes" which are not included
in the calculation of a majority for the City Special Elections.
This document is intended for informational purposes only and should not
be used as an authority on the Hawaii election law and deadlines. Requirements
and/or deadlines may change pending changes in legislation. Consult the Hawaii
Revised Statutes and other sources for more detailed and accurate requirements.
Office of Elections
802 Lehua Avenue
Pearl City, Hawaii 96782
Phone: (808) 453-VOTE(8683)
Neighbor Island Toll Free: 1-800-442-VOTE (8683)
Office of Elections –
FSBO138C
Revised: 08/12/2011