Nevada Governor Vetoes Bill Criminalizing False Presidential Electors
LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo has vetoed SB 102, a bill aimed at criminalizing the establishment of false presidential elector slates. This decision came on June 2, the last day of the legislative session, amidst a wave of 32 vetoes. The proposed legislation sought to penalize individuals involved in creating or serving on a fraudulent slate of electors with a felony charge, potential prison sentences of one to four years, and fines up to $5,000.
The bill emerged following the controversial submission of a slate by Nevada Republicans in 2020, falsely claiming to represent Donald Trump despite Joe Biden’s victory in the state. Attorney General Aaron Ford is currently pursuing charges against those involved, citing the absence of specific statutes addressing false electors.
In his veto message to Senate Majority Leader Nicole Cannizzaro, Lombardo expressed concerns about the broad powers it would confer to the Secretary of State’s office, describing a lack of procedural safeguards that could lead to politically motivated enforcement. He also noted potential First Amendment implications relating to symbolic protest slates. Lombardo had previously vetoed a similar measure in 2023, pointing to excessive penalties.
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