April 9, 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 459, as amended, and HOUSE BILL 224, enacted by the Forty-Fourth Legislature, First Session, 1999.

This legislation amends sections of the Absentee Voter Act to clarify that, the County Clerk and the Municipal Clerk shall have an updated absentee ballot register available for public inspection during regular business hours, Monday through Friday. HOUSE BILL 224 clarifies the definition of "delivery" of an absentee ballot with respect to County and Municipal Clerks. I have already signed legislation passed during the Forty-Fourth Legislature, which accomplishes the purpose of HOUSE BILL 459 and HOUSE BILL 224. Therefore I am vetoing these bills in order to avoid a potential conflict.

Sincerely,

Gary E. Johnson

Governor