May17,2001

The Honorable Casper R. Taylor, Jr.
Speaker of the House
State House
Annapolis MD 21401

Dear Mr. Speaker:

In accordance with Article II, Section 17 of the Maryland Constitution, I have today vetoed House Bill 1458 - Election Law - Statewide Voter Registration - Provisional Ballots.

This bill requires a local board of elections to add registered voters to its registry who have relocated to that jurisdiction. Election day voting procedures are modified to provide for the temporary voter registration and casting of provisional ballots by previously unregistered voters. Voters filing temporary certificates of registration must sign an oath and provide an election judge with proper identification. The bill authorizes the State Board of Elections to establish procedures for canvassing and maintaining records of provisional ballots by local boards. It also authorizes an appeal process for aggrieved voters who cast a provisional ballot canvassed by a local board. The bill also requires the Motor Vehicle Administration to provide an opportunity to all individuals applying, renewing or updating a driver's license or identification card to register to vote or update a current voter registration record.

Senate Bill 740, which was passed by the General Assembly and signed by me, accomplishes the same purpose. Therefore, it is not necessary for me to sign House Bill 1458.

Sincerely,
Parris N. Glendening
Governor