BILL NUMBER:  AB 1271
  VETOED	DATE: 10/12/2009




To the Members of the California State Assembly:

I am returning Assembly Bill 1271 without my signature.

This bill would allow a vote-by-mail (VBM) voter to authorize any
other person to deliver or return their ballot to the elections
official or the precinct board at any polling place within the
jurisdiction.

As I have noted when vetoing similar legislation any effort to
increase voter participation must be balanced against the potential
increase in voter fraud.  While I appreciate the author's intent and
efforts to protect against fraud, the opportunity is still too
prevalent.  Requiring written authorization by the voter is an
important safeguard; however, there is no way to verify that the
"authorized representative" is not paid by, or volunteering with a
political party, campaign or other political entity.  While some VBM
voters could benefit from this added flexibility, it would leave the
door open for bad actors to abuse the system.  Therefore I am unable
to sign this bill.

Sincerely,



Arnold Schwarzenegger