BILL NUMBER:  SB 970
  VETOED	DATE: 09/25/2010




To the Members of the California State Senate:

I am returning Senate Bill 970 without my signature.

While I support efforts to encourage college students to participate
in elections, this bill is unnecessary.  Current law provides
sufficient flexibility for voters that vote by mail to return their
ballots in a timely manner.  Creating a voluntary pilot program to
set up a drop off location for vote by mail ballots on select college
campuses creates unnecessary cost pressures for the Secretary of
State and local elections officials.

A citizen's right to vote also comes with certain responsibilities,
particularly to ensure that his or her ballot is submitted on time.
Many Californians with busy schedules make the time to vote.  The
vote by mail option allows voters to complete their ballot at their
convenience and to return it by mail, in person at the county
elections office, or at any polling place in their county on Election
Day.  I believe these options provide the flexibility for all
voters, including college students, to return their ballots.

Consequently I am unable to sign this bill.

Sincerely,



Arnold Schwarzenegger