Hawai'i will move its primary election from late September to the second Saturday in August beginning in 2012 to comply with a federal law intended to ensure that military and overseas voters get ballots at least 45 days before elections.

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

Hawai'i'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 yesterday, the primary will be on the second Saturday in August. The deadline for candidates to file nomination papers will move up to the first Tuesday in June, instead of late July.