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2017 SESSION
(SB1303)GOVERNOR'S VETO
Pursuant to Article V, Section 6, of the Constitution of Virginia, I veto Senate Bill 1303, which curtails the amount of time that eligible Virginians have to register to vote. The bill would reduce the number of hours for eligible Virginians to register to vote online by imposing a deadline of 5 p.m. on the final day of registration.
Since the implementation of online voter registration in 2013, more than one million eligible Virginians have taken advantage of this option. Online voter registration decreases the administrative burden on local election officials, increases the accuracy of the voter registration list, and decreases the costs of Virginia elections. This option should be promoted – not restricted – to further enhance its efficiencies.
During the Reconvened Session I offered amendments that would have retained the current 11:59 p.m. online registration deadline, and broadened the opportunities for eligible Virginians to register to vote, by permitting general registrars to accept registrations in person through 11:59 p.m. on the final day of voter registration. These amendments were rejected.
Eligible Virginians should continue to be allowed to register up until 11:59 p.m. in order to make it easier for our busy citizens to participate in the electoral process. We should be working to reduce barriers faced by eligible Virginians when engaging in the franchise, rather than creating new ones.
Accordingly, I veto this bill.
GOVERNOR'S RECOMMENDATION
1. Line 11, enrolled, after hours and
strike
the remainder of line 11 and through 5:00 on line 12
insert
may stay open until 11:59
2. Line 15, enrolled, after shall be
strike
made no later than 5:00
insert
accepted if submitted by 11:59