Chap. 897.—An ACT to legalize primary elections in the county of Elizabeth
City.

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 Elizabeth City, pre-
vious to any general election held for the purpose of electing any state,
municipal, or federal officers, should they desire so to do, to hold a
primary election or conv ention 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 preseribed by the local executive com-
mittee of such party: provided, however, that the expense of conducting
the said primary election or convention be borne by the party conduct-
ing and holding the same.

The local executive committee of the said party shall determine
the rules and regulations under which said primary election or conven-
tion 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 holding of such pri-
mary election or convention; and a printed copy of suc ch rules and
regulations 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 local executive committee of said party shall appoint so many
judges and clerks for the conduct of said primary election or conven-
tion and pay them such compensation for their services as they may
deem proper. And the said judges and clerks, before entering upon the
discharge 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 hy 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
abilitv, and that I will studiously endeavor to prevent fraud, deceit,
and abuse in conducting this election or convention. So help me God.

If there 1s no one present authorized to administer oaths the judges
oi 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 privi-
leges, 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-
lations 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. This act shall be in force from its passage.