Chap. 727.—An ACT authorizing the holding of primary elections in the city o
Winchester, Virginia.

Approved March 5, 1894.

1. Be it enacted by the general assembly of Virginia, That it shal!
be lawful for any political party or body of citizens in the city o!
Winchester, in this state, previous to any general election held fo
the purpose of electing municipal officers, should it or they desire
so to do, to hold a primary election for the nomination of candidates
for the officers to be voted for at the said ensuing general election.
upon such rules and regulations as may be prescribed by the local
executive committee of such party or body of citizens: provided,
however, that such primary election be not held more than thirty
nor less than twenty days previous to such general election: and
provided, further, that the expense of conducting the said primary
election be borne by the party conducting and holding the same.

2. The local executive committee of the said party or body of citi-
zens shall determine the rules and regulations upon which such
primary election shall be held, which said rules and regulations
shall be published in some convenient newspaper and posted at the
front door of the court-house of the city 1n which it is proposed to
hold said primary election, at least five days previous to the holding
of such primary election, and a printed copy of such rules and regu-
lations shall be furnished to each candidate to be voted for at such
primary election, and each judge and clerk who shall conduct the
same, and shall also be posted at each voting place for the holding
of such primary election.

3. The local executive committee of such party or body of citi-
zens shall appoint so many judges and clerks for the conduct of
said election, and pay them such compensation for their services 48
they may deem proper, and the said judges and clerks, before enter-
ing upon the discharge of their duties as such, shall take and sub-
scribe the following oath: I, A. B., judge (or clerk) of the primary
election to be held by the party (or citizens, as the case may be), do
solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will perform the duties of judge
(or clerk) of the said primary election, according to the rules and
regulations prescribed by the executive committees of said party
(or citizens, as the case may be), and to the best of my ability, and
that I will studiously endeavor to prevent fraud, deceit and abuse in
conducting this election. So help me God.

If there is no one present authorized to administer oaths, the
judges of election may administer to each other and to the clerks
the oath above provided.

4. The said judges and clerks, for the purpose of conducting the
said primary election, shall have all the rights, powers and privi-
leges, and be subject to all the penalties prescribed by law for judges
and clerks of the general elections.

5. Any person who knowingly or willfully votes or attempts to
vote at such primary election, contrary to the rules and regulations
upon which the same is conducted, shall, upon conviction thereof,
be fined not less than one hundred dollars or imprisonment in the
city jail not exceeding twelve months.

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