As the November elections approach, it’s important for everyone to take part in the democratic process. Your participation in civic life matters for many reasons. When you vote or go to local meetings, you help make decisions about schools, parks, and other community services. Taking part in these community events and discussions gives you and your ohana a voice in matters that affect your lives. Getting involved in community activities also helps you meet other parents and neighbors, creating a support network. This helps us all feel part of a larger, supportive ‘ohana, creating a sense of belonging and well-being for everyone.

These actions build what experts call “protective factors” in our community. Protective factors are conditions that help keep our keiki safe, healthy, and thriving. By strengthening these factors, you help protect your kids from risks like substance abuse and violence. Your involvement sets a powerful example for your children, teaching them the importance of civic responsibility. The more people engage in community affairs, the stronger and healthier our neighborhoods become.

Voting is a powerful way to shape the future for our keiki and ensure our voices are heard. When you vote, you help choose leaders and policies that affect education, healthcare,the economy, the environment, and many other parts of life in Hawall. By voting, you set a positive example for keiki, encouraging them to be responsible citizens. As parents, teaching our keiki about the importance of voting instills in them a sense of civic duty and pride in our democratic processes. And, your efforts can contribute to creating safer streets, better schools, and more family-friendly neighborhoods.

Registering to vote, attending a county council meeting, understanding local policy issues or even reaching out to an elected official does not need to feel overwhelming or confusing. There are many community resources available to help make navigating democracy easier and more meaningful.

• Explain to your keiki why voting is important and how it impacts their future.
• Learn about issues and candidates together as an ‘ohana. Encourage questions and discussion. This helps with critical thinking, informed decision-making, respect for others’ viewpoint, and solving conflicts.
• Bring your keiki with you when you vote or fill out your vote-by-mail ballot together. Show them how voting is a proud tradition in your family. This helps build a sense of community and belonging.

By taking part in democracy, we ensure that our values and concerns are represented and help create a better future for our keiki and our community. Come together as a community this November and make your voices heard. At the same time, you’ll teach our keiki the importance of active citizenship, all while building a stronger, more resilient Maui County and state of Hawaii. So please be part of the solution, vote! Your voice matters!

For comprehensive, non-partisan (neutral) information, check out VOTE411 and Civil Beat’s 2026 Election Guide.

The Akakū Maui Community Media website also has the latest news on Maui Nuiʻs 2026 elections! You’ll find their Meet the Candidates video series, along with links to local candidate forums, debates, and official county and state elections resources.

Hawaii Children’s Action Network Speaks! provides information on issues, candidates and legislation that affect ‘ohana and keiki. It also gives advice on writing testimony or talking to public officials. You can sign up for “action alerts” to get information about the issues you care about.

Commit to Keiki has identified policy priorities for the 2027 Legislative Session aimed at strengthening Hawaiʻi’s early childhood system and improving outcomes for our youngest keiki and their families. These build on existing progress while addressing some of Hawaiʻi’s most pressing challenges, including child care access, workforce shortages, family economic stability, and barriers to connecting families with critical resources.