The Senate Committee on Ways and Means tomorrow will examine the plight of the Hawai'i Office of Elections, which is straining under a tight budget a year before the 2010 statewide elections.

Because of cuts in funding that were made by Gov. Linda Lingle's office, the agency cannot fill the vacant positions of four major posts, including the supervisor who oversees the preparation and transportation of ballots.

Lingle's aides have said the state has no more money to provide the elections office.

Legislators will focus on the agency's budget, planned purchase of new voting machines for next year, and a 2008 contract for machines.

The hearing will be held at the state Capitol.