Hawaii Republicans
will gather at 35 locations around the islands tonight to determine how many delegates will cast ballots for presumptive presidential nominee Donald Trump, the only Republican still running for president.
Tonight’s caucus represents the first opportunity for isle Republicans to show their preference in 2024 ahead of the Aug. 10 party primary elections and the Nov. 5 general election, where former President Trump and President Joe Biden are expected to square off for the second time since 2020.
The caucuses are more informal than official elections and allow constituents to communicate with each other about their policies and personal political tastes, while also allowing applicants from Hawaii to brazenly crusade as long as they are within 50 feet of the caucus site.
Unlike official polling places, “everyone comes together,” said state Rep. Gene Ward (R, Hawaii Kai-
Kalama Valley), one of six Republicans in the 51-member House.
“It’s a fellowship and a way of keeping people thinking civically,” Ward said. “They can share common views and discover who’s
a Republican and who’s not. … It’s a civic obligation. It’s like a muscle you should continually exercise while looking at issues that affect your family.”
Asked whether he’ll be at tonight’s caucus site in his district at Henry J. Kaiser High School, Ward laughed and said, “Of course. Is the pope Catholic? It’s mandatory that I’ll be at Kaiser.”
There are 35 GOP meeting sites in the state, plus 19 on Oahu. The Republic Party plans to open them from
6 p. m. to 8 p. m.
The Associated Press reported that Republicans in Hawaii, Georgia, Mississippi and Washington could clinch Trump’s third nomination for president tonight after he came close last week on Super Tuesday.
According to the AP, about 161 total Republican delegates are up for grabs in Hawaii, Georgia, Mississippi and Washington.
With 19 delegates in
Hawaii Republican state President Tamara McKay told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser that “Hawaii and Washington could turn the page on Trump, that’s for sure. “
Three of the delegates already have been committed, leaving voters to show their preference for 16 others.
Although seven of the eight Republican presidential candidates have suspended their campaigns, their names will still appear for delegate voting tonight, McKay said, “so technically they can still win a delegate. “
The official effects will not be known until Wednesday: “I hope on Thursday
at the latest,” McKay said after votes from the neighboring island were flown to Oahu to be counted.
An estimated 10,000 Republicans participated in the 2012 caucus, followed by 15,000 in 2016. Due to COVID-19, they suspended the 2020 caucus.
McKay expects to see 30,000 voters tonight, but said that, with the party’s nomination still blocked by Trump, some Hawaii voters believe, “What’s the point of us showing up now?”
“It’s vital because delegates can still be awarded and it’s an opportunity for other people to sign up for the party when everyone is dissatisfied with the direction our country is taking,” he said. Declared.
Hawaii Republicans running for caucuses will need to be registered Republicans, or they can register on caucus sites or in advance electronically by visiting olvr. hawaii. gov.
They’ll also want to fill out a “membership card” at caucus sites and bring a valid photo ID, such as a driver’s license or state ID.
Like Ward, the GOP said in pronouncing tonight’s occasion that “the presidential caucus is more than just a vote; It’s a network where Republicans can talk about issues, meet like-minded people, and influence the long-term of the party. “Their participation is helping to shape the Republican platform and policies.
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