Chap. 441.—An ACT to legalize primary elections and conventions in the
county of Prince William.

Approved February 20, 1900.

1. Be it enacted by the general assembly of Virginia, That it shall
be lawful for any political party in the county of Prince William, previous
to any general election held for the purpose of electing any state, munici-
pal, or federal officers, should they desire so to do, to hold a primary elec-
tion or convention for the nomination of candidates for the officers to be
voted for at the said ensuing general election, under such rules and regu-
lations as may be prescribed by the local executive committee of such
party: provided, however, that the expense of conducting such primary
election or convention be borne by the party conducting and holding the
same.

2. The local executive committee of the said party shall determine
the rules and regulations under which said election or convention shall
be held, which said rules and regulations shall be published in some
convenient newspaper or posted at the front door of the court-house of
said county at least five days previous to the holding of such primary
election or convention; and a printed copy of such rules and regulations
shall be served upon such candidates, to be voted for at such primary
election or-convention, and each judge or clerk who shall conduct the
same, and shall be posted at each voting place for the holding of such
primary election or meeting place for the selection of delegates to such
convention.

3. The local executive committee of said party shall appoint from
among the friends of the opposing candidates so far as the same is
possible so many judges (in no case to exceed three) and clerks, for the
conduct of said primary election or convention, and pay them such com-
pensation for their services as they may deem proper: provided, however,
that either one of the judges so appointed, may, at the direction of the
executive committee, perform the clerical work necessary in conducting
such said election or convention. And the said judges and clerks, before
entering upon the discharge of their duties as such, shall take and sub-
scribe the following oath:

“JT, A. B., judge (or clerk) of the primary election or convention, to
be held by the —--——————- party, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that
I will perform the duties of judge (or clerk) of the said primary election
or convention, according to the rules and regulations prescribed by the
executive committee of the said party to the best of my ability, and that
I will studiously endeavor to prevent fraud, deceit, and abuse in con-
ducting said election. So help me God.”

If there is no one present authorized to administer oaths, the judges
of elections so appointed may administer to each other and to the clerks
the oath above prescribed.

4, The said judges or clerks, for the purpose of conducting said pri-
mary election or convention, shall have the rights, powers, and privileges,
and be subject to all penalties prescribed by law for judges and clerks
of the regular election.

5. The said committee shal] make an estimate of the probable cost of
conducting said election or convention, and assess each candidate his
pro rata share of said cost, and when said candidate shall have paid his
said share of such cost, he shall be duly recognized as a candidate for
such office for which he has announced himself.

6. Any person who knowingly or wilfully votes, or attempts to vote, at
such election or convention, contrary to the rules and regulations upon
which the same is conducted, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon
conviction thereof be fined not less than five dollars nor more than
fifty dollars, or imprisoned in the county jail not exceeding twelve
months.

7. But nothing in this act shall be construed to prevent any political
party from holding any convention at any time not subject to the pro-
visions of this act, and no court shall enjoin said political party from
so doing.

8. This act shall be in force from its passage.