Section 3-177-55 - Format of election documents(a) Election documents may be initially created by election officials in or converted to an electronic format. Election documents may be broadly interpreted to include all records and documents related to elections. A document in electronic format may be considered the equivalent of the original.(b) In addition to paper forms, election officials may use electronic forms, electronic transmission, computer programs, websites, or similar technology to solicit applications from the public or to generate an electronic document containing the relevant information required by law. For example, election officials may use an online voter registration system, online candidate filing system, online ballot delivery, marking, and return system, online ballot signature rehabilitation system, electronic mail, or fax.(c) The election official, to the extent not otherwise required by law or by the chief election officer, may choose not to use technology in the manner noted above. Instead, they may choose to rely on a paper based process for some or all of their operations.(d) Unauthorized paper forms, electronic forms, or computer programs or services to generate electronic documents are not permitted.(e) Election officials may authorize third parties to use or otherwise duplicate election, documents for distribution. However, the mere distribution of any election document by a third party, will not, in and of itself, create an agency with any election official.(f) Third parties are cautioned that unless authorized under HRS § 11-97, it is unlawful for any person to use, print, publish, or distribute information acquired directly or indirectly from any list prepared therefrom.[Eff JUL 26 2020] (Auth: HRS § 11-4, 489E-5, 489E-7, 489E-12, 489E-15, 489E-17, 489E-18) (Imp: HRS §§ 11-2, 11-4, 11-14, 11-97, 11-106, 11-107, 15-1, 15-4, 489E-5, 489E-7, 489E-12, 489E-15, 489E-17, 489E-18)