Beth Fukumoto: How Hawaii Democrats And Republicans Can Affect The Presidential Election

This year could be the most consequential in recent memory for global democracy. Nearly half the world’s population is set to vote, with major elections in the United Kingdom and France early next month.

For most of us, November’s presidential election looms largest. If you’re feeling anxious, you’re not alone. Here in Hawaii, our distance from the battleground states that will decide the contest between President Joe Biden and Republican challenger Donald Trump can create a sense of helplessness.

According to a recent NPR/PBS News/Marist poll, Biden and Trump both have 49% support from registered voters, with two-thirds of voters saying that they’ve firmly made up their minds. The tight race is once again putting swing states such as Pennsylvania, Nevada and Arizona in the spotlight, with both parties pouring significant resources into these battlegrounds. So far, presidential candidates have raised over $578 million to support their campaigns.

The stakes are high, not just for the presidency but for the Senate, Congress and state legislatures as well. Both parties are mobilizing massive ground operations, utilizing sophisticated data analytics and grassroots movements to sway undecided voters. The Democratic and Republican national committees are engaging in extensive voter outreach.

In stark contrast, Hawaii’s political scene is unusually calm. The state is witnessing a historically low number of candidates running for office, with most incumbents facing no serious challengers. Our congressional delegation appears secure, and some in the Legislature are uncontested.

Given Hawaii’s political quietude, it’s easy to feel detached from the national turmoil. On the other hand, for many, including myself, the anxiety over national politics can be paralyzing. The problems seem so distant and insurmountable, leading to a sense of futility. But both apathy and anxiety can lead to inaction, which is detrimental in times like these.

Hawaii Democrats are channeling their anxiety into action. Local Democratic activities include writing letters to swing states, recently focusing on Pennsylvania. Plans are underway to send a team from Hawaii to Nevada to assist in person, with virtual phone and text banks scheduled for later in the year.

“I think there really is a sense of anxiety that’s motivating Democratic voters,” said Derek Turbin, chair of the Democratic Party of Hawaii. “We truly believe that democracy is on the ballot this election. It’s essential to reelect President Biden because of the risks posed by the other candidate. This general anxiety has inspired many in the local Democratic Party to get involved and help out in swing states on the mainland.”

Tamara McKay, chair of the Hawaii Republican Party, offers a different perspective.

“In the wake of the … (Trump) trial in New York and Joe Biden’s failed policies, Hawaii citizens are showing enthusiasm to elect President Donald Trump and save America,” McKay said, referring to the recent felony convictions of Trump. “This enthusiasm was evident when more than three times the number of (Hawaii voters) turned out to nominate Trump in the Republican presidential primary compared to Biden’s turnout in the Democratic primary.”

McKay said the Hawaii Republican Party is collaborating closely with the Trump campaign and the Republican National Committee through the Trump Force 47 grassroots organizing program. This initiative aims to mobilize targeted voters in critical precincts across battleground states through letter writing as well as phone and text banking.

Both parties believe the country faces an existential threat and are stressing the importance of local involvement in the national election.

Turbin predicts the presidential election is going to be even closer this year than in 2020. “So every vote counts.”

McKay said the Hawaii GOP’s efforts are a testament to the growing political engagement among Republicans in the state. She encourages all voters to participate and stay informed about grassroots movements that can in shape the national political landscape.

Regardless of your political preferences, there is much you can do to get involved. Engaging in political activities has been shown to combat anxiety, providing a sense of purpose and agency. If you’re one of the 57% of Americans feeling anxious about the upcoming election, consider taking action — write letters, join a phone bank, or participate in local voter registration efforts.

In these uncertain times, it’s crucial to remember that our contributions can help shape the future of our democracy. So, let’s channel our anxiety into meaningful action.