BILL NUMBER: SB 37
VETOED DATE: 09/30/2008
To Members of the California State Senate:
I am returning Senate Bill 37 without my signature.
As I stated in vetoing similar legislation in 2006, I believe
strongly in democracy and in honoring the will of the people. This
bill represents a significant departure away from letting each
individual state choose how to award its presidential electoral votes
and towards a national vote for president. Because California's
endorsement of a national popular vote would significantly change the
debate on the matter, enactment of this bill would represent a major
shift in the way not only Californians but all Americans choose
their president. Such a significant change should be voted on by
the people. As such, I cannot support this measure but encourage the
proponents to seek approval of the people for the changes it
proposes.
For these reasons, I am returning this bill without my signature.
Sincerely,
Arnold Schwarzenegger