Chap. 85.—An ACT to legalize primary elections in the county of Warwick.

Approved February 12, 1901.

1. Be it enacted by the general assembly of Virginia, That it shall
be lawful for any political party in the county of Warwick previous 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 officers
to be voted for at the said ensuing general election, under such rules
and regulations as may be prescribed by the local exeeutive comimittee
of such party: provided, however, 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 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 ten 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 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 or places 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 conducting of
said primary. The local executive committee of said party shall appoint
80 many judges and clerks for the conduct of said primary election or con-
vention, 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 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 1 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.

+. 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.

», Any person who, knowingly or wilfully votes, or attempts to vote,
at ‘cach 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. This act shall be in force from its passage.