GOVERNOR'S VETO

Pursuant to Article V, Section 6, of the Constitution of Virginia, I veto Senate Bill 1253. This bill requires the state to make significant and costly changes to the existing voter registration database that will not improve election integrity. No funding is provided for localities to obtain and maintain equipment necessary or for the state to properly prepare for implementation. This bill will result in an unfunded mandate on localities, a waste of taxpayer money, and will increase voter confusion.

As Virginia already has one of the strictest voter photo ID laws in the country, the addition of photos from the Department of Motor Vehicles database to the pollbooks will have no effect on election integrity. Even if the state modifies the statewide voter registration list to include these photos, no funds have been allocated to localities to obtain and maintain equipment that includes photo download functionality. Further, by applying different photo ID requirements to different voters, this bill will increase voter confusion related to what identification is required to cast a regular ballot.

Senate Bill 1253 would require the state to expend a significant amount of money on unnecessary modifications to the statewide voter registration database without any benefit. To ensure the continued integrity of Virginia’s elections, we should focus on ensuring that the Department of Elections has sufficient funds to continue its ongoing operations, including vigorous list maintenance activities and voter education outreach, to remain a nationally recognized leader in election administration.

Accordingly, I veto this bill.