CHaP. 669.—An ACT authorizing the holding of primary elec:
tions in the city of Portsmouth, Virginia.

Approved March 38, 1892.

1. Be it enacted by the general assembly of Virginia
That it shall be lawful for any political party or body of
citizens in the city of Portsmouth, in this state, previous
to any general election held for the purpose of electing
any state or municipal officers, should it or they desire
so to do, to hold a primary election for the nomination of
candidates for the offices to be voted for at the said ensu-
ing 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 citizens shall determine the rules and regulations
upoh 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 in 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 regulations shal] be served upon each can-
didate 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 candidates who shall offer themselves to be voted
for at such primary election shall appoint so many judges
and clerks for the conduct of said election and pay them
such compensation for their services as they may deem
proper, and the said judges and clerks, before entering
upon the discharge of their duties as such, shall take and
subscribe 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 regula-
tions prescribed by the executive committeee 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 con-
ducting the said primary election, shall have all the rights,
powers and privileges, 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 at-
tempts 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 nor more than three hundred dollars, or

imprisonment in the city jail not exceeding twelve months.
6. This act shall be in force from its passage. .