April 8, 1999

The Honorable Raymond G. Sanchez 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 322, as amended

enacted by the Forty-Fourth Legislature, First Session, 1999.

This legislation requires the official application form for an absentee ballot only be mailed by the county clerk upon request of the voter. I have vetoed this bill because it would eliminate the long-standing practice held by political parties and advocacy groups of making official absentee ballot application forms widely available. The service these groups provide to the electoral process which result in enhanced voter participation is to be applauded and not eliminated.

Sincerely,

Gary E. Johnson

Governor