Chap. 652.—An ACT to legalize primary elections and conventions in the counties
of Clarke and Warren.

Approved March 2, 1898.

1. Be it enacted by the general assembly of Virginia, That it shall be
lawful for any political party in the counties of Clarke and Warren, in
this state, previous to any general election held for the purpose of elect-
ing 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 gencral 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 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.

2. 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 counties, or either of them, 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 conduct the same, and shall also be posted at each
voting placé 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 entering upon the dis-
charge of their duties as such, shall take and subscribe the following
oath: ‘‘I, A. B., judge or clerk of the primary election 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 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 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, power and privi-
leges, 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 reczulations
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 county jail not exceeding twelve months.

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