The chairs of the Hawaii Republican Party and the Democratic Party of Hawaii today issued a joint call for voters to cast their ballots early.

The goal is to ensure safety as Hurricane Iselle and Tropical Storm Julio bear down on the state.

Isselle could threaten the eastern side of the Big Isle as soon as Thursday and Julio may bring dangerous conditions Saturday, which is Primary Electi0n Day.

“At times like this, when lives and property may be in danger, we aren’t Republicans or Democrats, we’re ohana. By voting early, before Saturday’s primary election, voters can stay safe and still cast their ballot for the candidates of their choice,” GOP Chairwoman Pat Saiki said in a press release.

Hurricane Irene off Fort Lauderdale Beach, Aug. 25, 2011.

Flickr: John Spade

“Voting is a sacred right cherished by all Americans. We don’t want any voter to be denied that right for any reason. And we don’t want anyone to have to choose between voting and staying safe. I’m urging all voters, Democrats and Republicans, to vote early,” said Dem Chairwoman Stephanie Ohigashi.

Walk-in voting for the Primary Election is underway at nine polling places on Oahu, Hawaii Island, Maui and Kauai. Early walk-in votes can be cast through Thursday.

Polling places open this week are as follows:

1. Oahu: Honolulu Hale (Mon.-Sat., 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.); Kapolei Hale (Mon.- Sat., 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
2. Hawaii: Apunui Center Conference Room (Mon.-Sat., 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.); Pahala Community Center (Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.; 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.); Waimea Community Center (Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.); West Hawaii Civic Center Community Room (Building G) (Mon.-Sat., 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
3. Maui County: Kalana O Maui Building, Wailuku (Mon.-Sat., 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.); State Building, DAGS BLDG. #1, Kaunakakai (Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m. to 12 noon, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.).
4. Kauai: Historic County Annex Building Basement (Mon.-Sat., 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.)

For more information on early walk-in voting and polling places, visit the state Office of Elections website, call 453-8683 — toll-free from the neighbor islands at (808) 442-8683 — or write an email to elections@hawaii.gov.