(SB940)

GOVERNOR'S VETO

Pursuant to Article V, Section 6, of the Constitution of Virginia, I veto Senate Bill 940, which revises the process and deadlines for legal challenges to candidate qualifications.

The deadlines imposed through this bill create unnecessary complexity and risk undermining voters' confidence in the election process. Additionally, prohibiting challenges on a primary winner based on known facts before the primary could prevent legitimate issues from being raised. This restriction could allow unqualified candidates to remain on the ballot, even when serious concerns arise. We are in the middle of a state election year, including for the statewide officeholders and the Virginia House of Delegates—we should not change these laws in the middle of that process.

The integrity of Virginia's elections depends on processes that are both efficient and fair to candidates, voters, and election officials alike.

Accordingly, I veto this bill.