Based on 2008 numbers , Hawaii needs 11,466 new voters to jump out of last place . The surf : Before I left for Hawaii , a state representative , Angus McKelvey , gave one very Hawaii-specific reason for the state 's low turnout : surf . The state had the lowest voter turnout in 2008 , making it the subject of a CNN report . CNN 's Change the List continues to work to increase voter turnout in the islands . John Sutter : New get - out - the - vote laws will lead to increased participation .
Based on 2008 numbers , Hawaii needs 11,466 new voters to jump out of last place . The state had the lowest voter turnout in 2008 , making it the subject of a CNN report . CNN 's Change the List continues to work to increase voter turnout in the islands . John Sutter : New get - out - the - vote laws will lead to increased participation .