BILL NUMBER: SB 172 VETOED DATE: 10/11/2009 To the Members of the California State Senate: I am returning Senate Bill 172 without my signature. This bill would extend the time a voter's name may remain on the inactive file of registered voters from two federal general elections (four years) to four presidential elections (16 years). Voter fraud is a serious concern and threatens the integrity of our democratic process. One way that elections officials are able to reduce opportunities for fraud is by ensuring the accuracy of voter registration rolls. Increasing the time an individual may remain on the inactive file of registered voters to 16 years will have a detrimental effect on the ability of elections officials to maintain this accuracy. For this reason I am unable to sign this bill. Sincerely, Arnold Schwarzenegger