HONOLULU (KHON2) -- As Hawaiʻi approaches a pivotal moment in its voting history, local leaders are urging residents to pay close attention to Question One on the state ballot. This question has significant implications for marriage equality and broader civil rights. Get Hawaii's latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You Commissioner Kathleen O’Dell, Ph.D., Chair for the Hawaiʻi State Commission on LGBTQ+ Affairs, emphasized the importance of voting "yes". "The language on the ballot can be a little bit confusing," she said. "But the most important thing is to vote yes and not to leave it blank, because a blank vote counts as a no vote." Commissioner O’Dell stressed that this vote isn't just about semantics; it’s about ensuring rights that many might take for granted. The proposed amendment seeks to repeal outdated language that could threaten the rights of same-sex couples. "We want to make sure we repeal this old language so that our rights to marry and remain married are kept safe here in Hawaiʻi," she stated. This is especially crucial in light of recent Supreme Court rulings that have raised concerns about the future of marriage equality across the United States. Abby Simmons, Chair of the Stonewall Caucus, echoed Commissioner O'Dell's sentiments and expanded on the historical context of the legislation. "In 1998, there was a constitutional amendment that stated the legislature had the right to define marriage as solely between opposite sexes," Simmons explained. "By voting yes, we’re ensuring marriage equality and removing that outdated power." Both leaders highlighted the broader implications of this vote and emphasized that it impacts not just same-sex marriages, but the rights of all individuals. "A lot of the language in our state statutes is discriminatory," Commissioner O’Dell noted. "We need to understand that by protecting marriage rights, we are also advocating for equity across various dimensions—race, gender identity, and sexual orientation." Simmons reinforced this point. She stated, "This is not just a fight for same-sex marriage; it’s about fairness for everyone. The future of many relationships could be at stake if we allow discriminatory language to persist in our laws." With the Supreme Court's unpredictable stance on marriage rights, Commissioner O'Dell warned of the potential consequences if the amendment does not pass. "If the Supreme Court decides to overturn its previous rulings, our rights could be in jeopardy. We must act now to safeguard those rights," she said. The urgency of this moment is clear. "People often ask why we should care about this now," Simmons added. "While we did legalize same-sex marriage in 2013, that constitutional amendment still remains on the books. If it stays, it could be used to undermine our rights in the future." Moreover, the importance of marking the box on Question One cannot be overstated. "Unless you vote yes, not marking the box will count as a no," Simmons explained. "This is a constitutional amendment, and we need everyone’s support to ensure our rights are protected." Both Commissioner O'Dell and Simmons highlighted the potential fallout if this question fails. "If we allow the legislature to have the power to define marriage solely between opposite sexes, we risk rolling back progress made in civil rights," O’Dell warned. "This could affect interracial marriages, same-sex unions, and any future efforts for equality." Simmons added, "Think about it: Racially diverse marriages have only been legal in this country for about 50 years. We cannot afford to take steps backward. Voting yes is essential for the future of all marriages in Hawaiʻi." As the election approaches, Commissioner O'Dell and Simmons are rallying support for this vital cause. "It’s a matter of justice and fairness," O'Dell concluded. "By voting yes on Question One, you are standing up for everyone’s right to love and marry who they choose." The call to action is clear: Vote "yes" on Question One. This is more than a ballot measure; it’s a chance to safeguard the rights of all individuals in Hawaiʻi. You can click here to learn more about the Vote Yes on 1 initiative. You can click here to learn more about the Hawaiʻi State Commission on LGBTQ+ Affairs and here to learn more about the Stonewall Caucus. Get news on the go with KHON 2GO, KHON's morning podcast, every morning at 8 Your vote matters, and your voice can make a difference. Don’t let this opportunity pass by—ensure your voice is heard in this critical moment for equality.