Update: Poll to open Friday for two storm-damaged precincts

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The state Office of Elections will open a polling place Friday to allow voters affected by the closure of two polls during Saturday’s primary election due to storm damage to cast ballots.

The state Office of Elections will open a polling place Friday to allow voters affected by the closure of two polls during Saturday’s primary election due to storm damage to cast ballots.

Voters affected by the closure can cast ballots from 7 a.m.-6 p.m. at Keonepoko Elementary School. The affected precincts are 04-01 and 04-02.

Rex Quidilla, Elections spokesman, said voters will receive a notification in the mail.

Initially, the office was looking to send absentee ballots by mail to the affected voters. But Quidilla said it is choosing to hold voting at the school to wrap up the election more quickly. Results will be announced Friday night.

There are 8,269 registered voters in the two precincts.

County Clerk Stewart Maeda said 1,448 had voted absentee or at walk-in sites prior to Saturday.

That leaves 6,821 voters who could cast a ballot later this week.

In the Senate Democratic primary, Sen. Brian Schatz has a lead of 1,635 votes over Rep. Colleen Hanabusa.

Both candidates are in Puna today campaigning and assisting with relief efforts.