I

2232                                               VETOES

While it is our view that the bill is unconstitutional,
we would add that election officials continue to have
authority to forbid electioneering in or near polling places
and to regulate the conduct and presence of poll watchers
and other persons in order to insure the integrity,
efficiency and order of the electoral process.

Very truly yours,
Stephen H. Sachs
Attorney General

Senate Bill No. 580

AN ACT concerning

Maryland Veterans Commission

FOR the purpose of increasing the number of members on the
Maryland Veterans Commission; altering the membership
of the Maryland Veterans Commission; specifying
organizations to which each new member shall belong;
and relating generally to the Maryland Veterans
Commission.

May 29, 1979
Honorable James Clark, Jr.
President of the Senate
State House
Annapolis, Maryland 21404

Dear Mr. President:

In accordance with Article II, Section 17 of the
Maryland Constitution, I have today vetoed Senate Bill 580.

This bill would increase the number of members on the

Maryland Veterans Commission from nine to fifteen, alter the

membership of the Commission, and specify organizations to
which each new member shall belong.

Currently, with the exception of the chairman, the
commissioners are selected by congressional district. This
method of organization was well thought out in order to
achieve maximal representation for the greatest number of
our veterans. Given the numerous veterans' organizations in
the State of Maryland, it is virtually impossible to provide
equitable representation for all special interest groups.
However, the present commission, as structured, has a
demonstrated history of responding to the issues that affect
the majority of our veterans in a forthright and competent
manner.