June 25, 2020

TO THE MISSISSIPPI STATE SENATE

GOVERNOR’S VETO MESSAGE FOR SENATE BILL 2737

I am returning Senate Bill Number 2737: “AN ACT TO AMEND SECTIONS 23-15-551 AND 23-15-691, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, BY DELETING THE OPTION OF MARKING ELECTION BALLOTS WITH INDELIBLE PENCIL; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.”

Senate Bill 2737 amends Section 23-15-551 to require voters to mark their ballot with ink only removing the option to use “indelible pencil.” Limiting voters to mark their ballot with ink only is a helpful change.

However, another proposed revision in Senate Bill 2737 inconsistently amends Section 23-15-691 and Section 23-15-551 stating that “The mere fact that a ballot was marked in pencil shall not disqualify the ballot from being counted.” The only form of pencil allowed under current law is “indelible pencil.” Accordingly, if marks with a “pencil” which may be subject to erasure or other manipulation, as opposed to “indelible pencil” which is not, are not disqualifying, there is potential risk of manipulation on the ballot. For this reason and to secure the importance and integrity of elections, I am vetoing Senate Bill 2737.

Respectfully submitted,

TATE REEVES

GOVERNOR