Chap. 624.—An ACT to legalize primary conventions in the counties of Acco-
mac and Northampton.

Approved March 3, 1896.

1. Be it enacted by the general assembly of Virginia, That it shall
be lawful for any political party in the counties of Accomac and
Northampton, in this state, previous to any general election held for
the purpose of electing any state, municipal or federal officers, should
they desire sp to do, to hold a primary election or convention for
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 committee of such party ; provided,
however, that such primary election or convention be not held more
than thirty nor less than twenty days previous to such general elec-
tion; and provided, further, that the expense of conducting the said
primary election or convention be borne by the party conducting
and holding the same.

2. The local executive committee of said party shall determine the
rules and regulations upon which said primary election or conven-
tion shall be held, which said rules and regulations shall be pub-

lished in some convenient newspaper and posted at the front door of
the court-houses of said counties 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, 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 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 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 or convention to be
held by party, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will per-
form the duties of a judge (or clerk) of the said primary election or
convention according to the rules and regulations prescribed by tho
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 the 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 said pri-
mary election or convention, shall have the rights, powers and privi-
leges and be subject to all the penalties prescribed by law for judges
and clerks of the regular election.

9. Any person who knowingly or willingly votes or attempts to
vote at such primary election or convention contrary to the rules and
regulations upon which the same is conducted, or any person or any
candidate who may buy a vote, either with money, goods or chattels,
or any person or any candidate who may furnish money, goods or
chattels to another person to buy a vote, shall be deemed guilty of a
misdemeanor, and, upon conviction, shall be fined not less than five
dollars.

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