Chap. 164.—An ACT to legalize primary elections and conventions for the
nomination of candidates by any political party in the county of Augusta
and city of Staunton.

Approved February 14, 1901.

1. Be it enacted by the general assembly of Virginia, That it shal] be
lawful for any political party in the county of Augusta or city of Staun-
ton, previous to any general election held for the purpose of electing any
state, county, district, municipal, or federal officers, should they desire
so to do, to hold a primary election or convention for the nomination of
candidates for the officers to be voted for at the said ensuing election,
under such rules and regulations as may be prescribed by the local execu-
tive committee of such party: provided, however, that the expense of con-
ducting such primary election or convention shall be borne by the party
conducting or holding the same.

2. The local executive committee of the party shall determine the rules
and regulations under which the said primary election or convention shall
be held, which said rules and regulations shall be published in some con-
venient newspaper and posted at the front door of the court-house of said
county at least ten days previous to the time for holding such primary
election or convention; and a printed copy of such rules and regulations
shall be mailed to the post-office address of the 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 the meeting place for the selec-
tion of delegates to such convention.

3. That the local executive committee of said political party shall
appoint so many judges and clerks for the conduct of such primary elec-
tion or convention, and pay them such compensation for their services
as they may deem proper. And said judges and clerks, before entering
upon the discharge of their duties as such, shall take and subscribe to 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 aflirm) that I will
perform the duties of judge (or clerk) of this primary election (or con-
vention) according to the rules and regulations prescribed by the local
executive committee of the 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 such pri-
mary election or convention shall have the rights, powers, and privileges.
und 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 under which the same is conducted, shall be guilty of a misde-

*meanor, and, upon conviction thereof, be fined not less than fifty dollars
nor more than two hundred dollars, or imprisoned in the county or city
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 such
political party from so doing.

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