Hawaii has the nation’s latest primary. This year it is set for September 18. But a new federal law requires states to mail out overseas absentee ballots no later than 45 days before the election. Because the Hawaii primary date is exactly 45 days before the general election, it is obviously impossible for Hawaii to comply with the new law. The general election ballots can’t be printed until the votes have counted in the primary.

Hawaii is in the process of asking for a waiver. This article explains the confusion that will result if the waiver is denied. HB 2397 is pending in the legislature to move the primary to August, but the bill provides that the new date wouldn’t go into effect until 2012.