Two Major Good Government Victories Are Now Law: Partial Public Funding and Automatic Voter Registration
After years of advocacy, testimony, coalition-building, and many conversations with lawmakers, Governor Josh Green has officially signed two major good-government reforms into law.
These victories belong to everyone who submitted testimony, attended hearings, met with legislators, educated their communities, and kept believing that we can improve the democratic process.
Act 67 – Automatic Voter Registration
Beginning January 1, 2027, eligible Hawaiʻi residents will automatically be registered to vote when they apply for or renew a Hawaiʻi driver's license or state ID, unless they choose to opt out.
This reform will make voter registration easier and more accessible. It will also automatically update voter records when residents change their address, helping keep Hawaiʻi's voter rolls accurate and lowering administrative costs.
Democracy advocates have made Automatic Voter Registration a priority for years. This win shows the persistence of a broad coalition dedicated to making voting easier for every eligible resident.
Act 136 – Strengthening Public Campaign Financing
Governor Green also signed Act 136 (HB2050), which strengthens Hawaiʻi's partial public financing program for elections.
Starting November 4, 2026, this law will raise campaign spending limits and expand public matching funds for candidates who choose to accept spending limits.
This reform lets candidates spend more time talking with voters and less time seeking big donations. It gives everyday residents a stronger voice, makes our political system more competitive and accessible, and supports our goal of reducing the influence of money in elections
Thank you to everyone who stood with us along the way. Together, we have shown that steady, community-driven advocacy can make a real difference.
Mahalo,
Aria Juliet Castillo
Reclaiming Democracy Program Director
