Two UH Hilo poli-sci students to serve as official observers on Election Day
Amaya Hirata and Kawai Smith will represent the Big Island Press Club, serving as the “eyes and ears” of the public at the counting center in Hilo, Nov. 5.
By Susan Enright.
On Election Day, Nov. 5, two political science students from the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo will serve as official observers at the Hilo counting center, representing the Big Island Press Club.
Amaya Hirata and Kawai Smith will help serve as the “eyes and ears” of the public at the counting center. Official observers test the voting equipment and monitor the handling and security of ballots. Before working at the counting center, the observers are asked to attend an orientation, read the work area manual, and test and certify the voting equipment.
“Being able to serve this role, I feel like I am benefiting my community in a very meaningful way,” says Hirata.
Smith echoes that feeling, saying the role is a “great way for me to contribute while being part of something meaningful.”
Hirata and Smith attended an orientation workshop on Monday and will each have a 12-hour work shift on Election Day for which the county offers a stipend.
“In particular, among the approximately 20 official observers in the county, Amaya and Kawai will be representing Big Island media as the media observers,” says Su-Mi Lee, professor of political science and advisor to the students. “They have been invited to test the voting equipment in October, twice, and are tasked with observing the various stations processing ballots, including opening and counting ballots, on Election Day.”
“The county officials are excited that our young students are interested in volunteering at the counting center,” adds Lee. “Through this opportunity, both students will gain invaluable experience and learn about the workings of the election process firsthand.”
Lee says Nancy Cook Lauer, retired local journalist and current advisor for the UH Hilo student newspaper Ke Kalahea, was instrumental in the students becoming official observers on behalf of the Big Island Press Club. “She thought our political science students would represent Big Island media well and extended the invitation.”
Extraordinarily important role
Hirata says the role as an official observer is extraordinarily important and ensures a transparent and trustworthy election. She hopes the experience will bring her a stronger connection to her community.
“This experience means a lot to me,” Hirata says. “I have always felt that voting in elections is extremely important. As a young person, I feel very grateful to be given this opportunity because I will be actively involved in the election process.”
Hirata also says that through the experience, she hopes to learn more about how elections are run, and to be an inspiration for other students to participate in the election process.
Kawai also sees the experience as an opportunity to see first-hand how an organization operates from the inside.
“I’m eager to learn from everyone around me and see how various roles come together to create something impactful,” she says. “I’m also looking forward to sharpening my communication and teamwork skills, as I believe that hands-on experiences are invaluable for personal and professional growth.”
“Connecting with people in this field also excites me, as I think building those connections could lead to great opportunities down the line, whether it’s collaborating on projects or gaining mentorship,” she adds.
Professor Lee says that by design, the democratic system requires citizen participation.
“Without our participation in a political process such as this type of volunteer work, democracy cannot stay healthy,” she says. “Students learn about the election process and the concept of fair election in the classroom. Now this volunteer opportunity will show them how such fair election processes are protected; each counting center recruits official observers like them to ensure fair and free elections.”
Story by Susan Enright, a public information specialist for the Office of the Chancellor and editor of UH Hilo Stories. She received her bachelor of arts in English and certificate in women’s studies from UH Hilo.
