State to run Hawaii County polls for election

HONOLULU (AP) — Hawaii state elections officials say they will run the polls in Hawaii County during the November elections, taking over for county officials after problems that led to extended voting hours during the primary. 

 

Hawaii Chief Election Officer Scott Nago said Tuesday that the state is rescinding its delegation of responsibility to the county. 

 

Nago says the state will run a control and counting center in a state office building in Hilo. He says the county will still be in charge of voter registration and absentee voting. 

 

Hawaii County officials did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment from The Associated Press. 

 

During the August primary, Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie ordered polls on the Big Island to stay open 90 minutes later than originally planned after several locations opened late.