Chap. 354.—An ACT to legalize primary elections and conventions in the city
of Richmond.

Approved February 3%, 1894.

1. Be it enacted by the general assembly of Virginia, That it shall
lawful for any political party in the city of Richmond, in this
tate, previous to any general election held for the purpose of elect-
ng any state, municipal or federal officers, should they desire so to
lo, to hold a primary election or convention for the nomination of
andidates for the offices to be voted for at the said ensuing general
lection, upon such rules and regulations as may be prescribed by the
ocal executive committee of such party: provided, however, that
such primary election or convention be not held more than thirty
ior less than twenty days previous to such general election: and
provided, further, that the expense of conducting the said primary
cetion or convention be borne by the party conducting and holding
ine same.

2. The local executive committee of the said party shall determine
the rules and regulations upon which such primary election or con-
vention shall be held, which said rules and regulations shall be pub-
lished in some convenient newspaper and posted at the front door
of the city hall or hustings 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 candidates to be voted for at such primary election or conven-
hon, 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 or meeting-place for the selection of delegates to such con-
vention.

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 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 elec-
tion 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 regu-
lations 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
judges 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, powers
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 willfully 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 convic-
tion thereof, be fined not less than one hundred dollars nor more
than three hundred dollars, or imprisoned in the city jail not ex-
ceeding twelve months.

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