Chap. 418.—An ACT to legalize primary elections and conventions in Newport
News.

Approved February 21, 1898.

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

The local executive committee of the said party shall determine
the rules and regulations upon which such primary election or conven-
tion 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 said city 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 candidate to be voted for at such
primary election or convention, and each judge and clerk who shall con-
duct the same, and shall also be posted at each voting place for th:
holding of such primary election or meeting place for the selection o:
delegates to such convention.

3. The local executive committee of said party shall appoint so many
judges and clerks for the conduct of said primary election or convention,
and pay them such compensation for their services as they may deem
proper; and the said judges and clerks, before entering upon the dis-
charge of their duties as such, shall take and subscribe the following
oath: ‘'T, A. B., judge or clerk of the primary election or convention
to be held by the party, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that |
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 said party to the best of my ability, and
that I will studiously endeavor to prevent fraud, deceit, and abuse in
conducting this election or convention. So help me God.”

If there is no one present authorized to administer oaths, the judg ges
of election so appointed 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 or convention, shall have the rights, power and
privileges, and be subject to all the penalties prescribed by law for judges
and clerks of the regular election.

5. Any person who knowingly or wilfully votes or attempts to vote at
such primary election or convention contrary to the rules and regulations
upon which the same is conducted shall, upon conviction thereof, be
fined not less than one hundred dollars nor more than three hundred
dollars, and imprisoned in the city jail not exceeding twelve months.

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