Non-partisan ‘Use Your Voice, Use Your Vote’ rally at UH Manoa raises voter awareness

MANOA—When Hawaii became a state in 1959, voter turnout was 84 percent in the primary election, one of the highest rates in the United States. By the 2008 primary, turnout in the islands was down to 37 percent, among the lowest rates in the country. A University of Hawaii at Manoa “Use Your Voice, Use Your Vote” rally hopes to reverse that trend. The rally will be held on the lawn fronting Hawaii Hall (facing Varney Circle) from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 26.

The free, public rally is a non-partisan effort encouraging eligible voters to exercise their right to vote. There will be live music, informational and voter registration booths, giveaways of signed Jack Johnson CDs, and free light refreshments.

Hawaiian Studies Professor Jon Kamakawiwoole Osorio will serve as emcee. There will be a short line-up of speakers drawn from all sectors of the UH Manoa community who will address issues of importance in the upcoming election.

Co-sponsors of the rally include the UH Professional Assembly, Graduate Students Organization, Kanu Hawaii, and KTUH radio. 

For more information, contact Nandita Sharma at (808) 384-1426 ([email protected]) or Craig Howes at (808) 348-0001 ([email protected]).