Chap. 867.—An ACT to legalize primary elections in the county of Culpeper.

Approved March 6, 1900.

1, Be it enacted by the general assembly of Virginia, That it shal!
be lawful for any political party in the county of Culpeper, previou:
to any general election held for the purpose of electing any state, muni.
cipal, or federal officers, should they desire so to do, to hold a primary
election or convention for the nomination of candidates for the officer:
to be voted for at the said ensuing general election, under such rule:
and regulations as may be prescribed by the local executive committe
of such party: provided, however, that the expense of conducting th
said primary election or convention be borne by the party conductin;
and holding the same.

2. The local executive committee of the said party shall determin
the rules and regulations under which said primary election or conven
tion shall be held, which said rules and regulations shall be publishe
in some convenient newspaper or posted at the front door of th
court-house of said county, at least five days previous to the holding o
such primary election or convention; and a printed copv of such rule
and regulations shall be served upon such candidates to be voted for a
such primary election or convention and each judge and clerk, who shal
conduct the same, and shall also be posted at each voting place for th
holding of such primary election or meeting place for the selection o
delegates to such convention.

3. The local executive committee of said party shall appoint so man
judges and clerks for the conduct of said primary election or conventio
and pay them such compensation for their services as they mav deer
proper. And the said judges and clerks, before entering upon the di:
charge cf their duties as such, shall take and subscribe the followin
oath:

I, A. B., judge or clerk of the primary election or convention to |
held by the —-——————-_ party, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that
will perform the duties of judge or clerk of the said primary electio
or convention, according to the rules and regulations prescribed bv t}
executive committee of the said —-——————— party to the best of m
ability, and that I will studiously endeavor to prevent fraud, decei
and abuse in conducting this election or convention. So help n
God.

If there is no one present authorized to administer oaths, the jude
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 regula-
tions 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.