Checking the box is important for marriage, judges

HONOLULU (KHON2) — Ballots for Hawaii`and residents will begin arriving at our mailboxes today, Friday, October 18.; and there are a few things you need to know about this ballot before deciding what to do with it.

Something to understand: If you leave a blank box on your ballot, you are casting a “NO.” If you don’t vote, you are allowing others to speak for you. You are collecting taxes; therefore claim your representation.

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Voters in Hawaii`I will be facing two major amendments that could change important aspects of state laws. One amendment focuses on marriage equality and the other addresses how judges are appointed.

Advocates on both issues believe these measures are vital to fairness and justice in Hawaii`i. So what are they, you ask?

Marriage equality amendment and the Vote Yes to 1 campaign

This measure aims to eliminate a specific section of the state constitution that allows the legislature, rather than the citizens of the state, to define marriage. This proposed amendment, known as “Remove legislative authority to limit marriage to opposite-sex couples,” aims to strengthen marriage equality in the state.

Haʻaheo Zablan, the Vice President of Hawaii`and Civil Rights Voter Education Fund, emphasized the importance of this vote.

“Hawaii`I’ve been at the forefront of the fight for marriage equality,” Zablan said. He referred to a landmark case in the early 1990s when then-civil rights attorney Dan Foley, who later became a judge, filed a lawsuit challenging the state’s ban on same-sex marriage.

“In 1993, the Supreme Court of Hawaii`I made a groundbreaking ruling, stating that banning same-sex marriage could violate Hawaii`and Constitution”, he pointed out.

However, this progress met with a major backlash. “After the ruling, there was a backlash that led to the insertion of Article 1, Section 23 in our state constitution,” Zablan explained.

This section gives the legislature the power to restrict marriage to opposite-sex couples. “We believe this provision is unnecessary and inconsistent with the Bill of Rights, which provides equal protection under the law,” he said.

Nikos Leverenz, President of Hawaii`and Civil Rights Voter Education Fund, echoed Zablan’s sentiments. “This campaign is crucial because we need to address a discriminatory provision in our Constitution,” Leverenz said.

He stressed that the current language of Article 23 is not only outdated; is inherently discriminatory. “It clearly allows the legislature to limit marriage, which opens the door to all kinds of potential discrimination,” he explained.

Zablan elaborated further on the implications of the amendment. “If the legislature can define who can marry, what is to stop them from enacting other discriminatory laws?” he asked

He noted that the potential for further discrimination could extend to issues such as race or ethnicity. “We cannot allow this language to remain in our Constitution,” he insisted.

Zablan and Leverenz emphasized the importance of voting “yes” to this amendment. “We want to educate voters about why this is important,” Leverenz explained.

He cleared up the misconception about blank votes, saying, “A blank vote is effectively a ‘no’ vote. We need everyone to understand that if you leave your ballot blank on this measure, you are not supporting marriage equality “.

Zablan emphasized the urgency of the campaign. “In a presidential election year, many voters can only focus on this race,” he noted. “But this measure is just as important.” He noted that the amendment would be the first item on the ballot. “It’s number one, so it’s going to be easy to find,” he said. “We’re asking the public to make their voices heard.”

Gomes, a citizen advocate for the “Yes to 1” campaign, shared his personal perspective on why marriage equality is vital.

“Getting married was one of the best moments of my life,” she said. “For me, marriage is about family, love and commitment. Everyone deserves the right to form a family with the person they love.” He pointed out how societal attitudes towards marriage equality have evolved over the years. “Today there are more people who recognize the importance of this issue, and that gives me hope,” he added.

Leverenz discussed the potential consequences if the Supreme Court were to overturn its 2013 decision on marriage equality in the case United States v. Windsor.

“If that happened, same-sex marriage would still be recognized in Hawaii`me, but we would be in a state of limbo”, he explained. “It depends on how the legislature decided to act afterward.” He expressed concern about the implications for marital rights, which encompass many critical areas such as benefits, custody and hospital visitation rights. “We cannot risk losing these protections,” he stated firmly.

Zablan raised a note of caution about federal developments that could affect marriage rights. “If the federal government were to repeal the Respect for Marriage Act, it could create a precarious situation for same-sex couples,” he warned. “We must ensure that our state laws protect marriage for all couples without any uncertainty.”

Gomes has emphasized the simplicity of the decision that voters have. “If you believe that love is love and that everyone should have the right to marry, voting yes is an easy choice,” he said. “It reflects what we have been practicing in Hawaii`me for the last decade.”

He encouraged everyone to participate in the electoral process. “This is an opportunity for people to make a difference in their community,” he added.

As the campaign progresses, Leverenz stressed the importance of community involvement. “We’re mobilizing our supporters to help spread the word,” he said. “There will be flagging events and announcements across multiple platforms.” He encouraged people to join their efforts. “Every voice matters. We need people to help us reach their neighbors and friends.”

Zablan mentioned the role of social media in the campaign. “We have a strong digital presence and will use platforms like YouTube to share our message,” he said.

He emphasized that people can get involved in multiple ways. “Whether you donate, volunteer or just talk to your friends, every little bit helps,” she encouraged.

Leverenz noted the need for transparency and information. “If people want to know more about our campaign and the community partners involved, they can visit Yes to marriage (website),” he said. “It’s essential that voters feel informed and empowered.”

He added that the campaign included several non-profit organizations dedicated to supporting marriage equality.

Gomes concluded with a heartfelt message. “I want to stay married and I believe in the right to love freely,” she said. “If you care about these issues, it’s a simple decision.” He emphasized the importance of unity and support in the fight for equality. “Together, we can protect the rights of all Hawai’i families`me,” he stated.

As the election approaches, the urgency to secure marriage equality in Hawaii`it’s becoming clear to me. The voices of advocates, community leaders and citizens united in this cause sought to ensure that love and commitment were protected for all.

With the support of the community, they hoped to make history once again by reinforcing the values ​​of equality and justice in their state constitution.

To learn more about the fight for marriage equality, click here.

Modification of judicial appointments

Hawaii`Voters will also decide on a significant change through a proposed amendment called Hawaii`and Modification of judicial appointments and confirmations. This amendment seeks to alter the way district court judges are appointed, aligning the process with that used for higher court judges, such as supreme court judges.

If you vote “yes,” then you support changing the process for appointing district court judges. A “no” vote means you want to keep the current system.

It is important to know that if you leave the box for this question blank on your ballot, it will count as a “no” vote. This means that not marking your preference is effectively an option against the proposed amendment.

At present, when a judicial vacancy occurs in the superior courts, the governor fills the position by selecting himself from a list of candidates provided by the judicial selection commission.

The governor has 30 days to make an appointment after receiving the list. If the governor fails to do so, or if the Senate rejects the governor’s choice, the judicial selection committee can step in and appoint someone from the slate, sometimes without requiring Senate approval.

The proposed amendment would make the process for appointing district court judges similar to that system. The chief justice would appoint district court judges through the same nomination and approval process.

This means that the Chief Justice would also select from a list of nominees and there would be similar rules regarding Senate approval and deadlines.

Being a judge in Hawaii`and, a candidate must meet certain requirements: must be a resident and citizen of the USA, residing in Hawaii`and, practicing lawyer for at least ten years and under 70 years of age.

Judges serve for ten years; and to remain in office, they must receive the majority vote of the judicial selection committee.

The amendment was introduced by several Democratic senators, including Sen. Karl Rhoads (District 13) and received strong support in Hawaii.`and State Legislature. It passed unanimously in the Senate and with a large majority in the House.

For a proposed amendment to appear on the ballot, it must be approved by a majority vote in both houses of the legislature.

The question voters will see on their ballots asks whether they agree to amend the state constitution so that the process for appointing judges is the same whether the appointment is made by the governor or the president.

This change is intended to create consistency in the way judges are chosen for the various courts in Hawaii`i.

The importance of voting

As we receive our ballots and figure out what we want to do with them and who we want to vote for, the most important thing we can do is consider the bigger picture of consequences and possibilities.

Yes on 1 supporters will organize events, create advertisements and use social media to raise awareness. You can click here to know the schedules and how to help.

The next election in Hawaii`and presents an important opportunity for voters to make their voices heard on two crucial amendments.

The amendment removes legislative authority to limit marriage to opposite-sex couples is intended to protect marriage equality, while Hawaii`and The Judicial Appointments and Confirmations Amendment aims to ensure a fair and consistent process for the appointment of judges.

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This election will not only shape the laws of Hawaii`but I also define the values ​​that the community defends. The voices of the people will determine the way forward, and every vote will count.

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