Chap. 771.—An ACT to legalize primary elections in the county of York.

Approved March 6, 1900.

1. Be it enacted by the general assembly of Virginia, That it shall
be lawful for any political party in the county of York, previous to
any general election held for the purpose of electing any state, municipal,
or federal otlicers, should they desire so to do, to hold a primary elec-
tion or convention for the nomination of candidates for the officers to
be voted for at the said ensuing general election, under such rules and
regulations as may be presc ribed hy the local executive committee of
such party: provided, however, that the expense of conducting the
said primary election or conv ention 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 under which said primary election or convention
shall be held, which said rules and regulations shall be published in some
convenient newspaper or posted at the front door of the court-house of
said county, at least five days previous to the holding of such primary
election or convention: and a printed copv of such rules and reculations
shall be served upon such candidates 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 place for the holding of
such primary election or mecting place for the selection of delegates to
such convention.

3. The judges of the primary may allow not exceeding two friends
of the opposing candidate or candidates present during the counting and
canvassing of the vote. .

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 the said —————————— party to the best of
my ability, and that I will studiously endeaver 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 said
primary election or convention, shall have the rights, powers, and
privileges, and be subject to all 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 regu-
Jations upon which same is conducted shall be guilty of a misdemeanor,
and upon conviction thereof be fined not less than one hundred dollars
nor more than three hundred dollars, or imprisoned in the county jail
not exceeding twelve months.

6. But nothing in this act shall be construed to prevent any political
party from holding any primary election or convention at any time not
subject to the provisions of this act, and no court shall enjoin said
political party from so doing. ;

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