Hawaii will move its primary from late September to the second Saturday in August starting in 2012 to comply with a federal law intended to ensure that military and overseas voters get ballots within 45 days before elections.

The federal Military and Overseas Voter Empowerment Act is meant to make it easier for overseas voters to cast ballots.

Hawaii's late September primary is too close to the November general election to meet the 45-day requirement. The state has sought a waiver from the requirement for this year's elections.

Under the new schedule, signed into law by Gov. Linda Lingle Thursday, the primary will be held on the second Saturday in August. Candidate nomination papers must be filed by the first Tuesday in June, instead of late July.