GOVERNOR'S VETO

Pursuant to Article V, Section 6, of the Constitution of Virginia, I veto Senate Bill 1350, which requires general registrars to cancel the registration of any voter for whom the registrar receives notice that the voter has moved from the Commonwealth in accordance with the Driver License Compact at § 46.2-483 et seq. of the Code of Virginia.

As written, the bill is not compliant with the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA) requirements related to list maintenance because it requires the immediate removal of Virginia voters from registration lists prior to sufficient notice to the voter.  On March 27, 2015, I recommended line amendments to this bill for the purpose of giving general registrars the ability to comply with the NVRA and state law.  These amendments were rejected putting Virginia law in conflict with federal statute.

I am committed to protecting the voting rights of all eligible Virginians.  Therefore, it would be imprudent for me to sign legislation that may unduly impede the rights of Virginia citizens to vote.

Accordingly, I veto this bill.

GOVERNOR'S RECOMMENDATION

1. Line 49, enrolled, after registrar

strike

may

insert

may

2. Line 49, enrolled, after may

strike

shall