April 6, 2001

HOUSE EXECUTIVE MESSAGE NO. 104

The Honorable Ben Lujan and

Members of the House of Representatives

Executive-Legislative Building

Santa Fe, New Mexico 87503

Honorable Speaker and Members of the House:

I have this day VETOED and am returning HOUSE BILL 756 enacted by the Forty-Fifth Legislature, First Session, 2001.

This legislation amends the state Election Code to allow members of absent voter precinct boards to open official "outer" envelopes of absentee ballots prior to the day of an election. New Mexico has recently seen the need for election reform, but this bill would move us backward instead of forward. Such a change in the law could foster election abuse by putting absentee ballots at risk of tampering and, in turn, undermine citizens’ right to vote in a fair, free and secure process.

Sincerely,

Gary E. Johnson

Governor

RECEIVED FROM THE OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR:

Time: _____________________ By:_____________________________

Secretary of State

Date ______________________

Time:______________________

Date_______________________ By:_____________________________

Chief Clerk of the House

H104h756