CHAP. 362.—An ACT to amend the Code of Virginia by adding thereto a new
section numbered Section 197-a, providing how certain special elections
and referenda may be called and held, and the results thereof ascertained
and certified. [H B 449]

Approved March 31, 1938

1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia, That the
ode of Virginia be amended by adding thereto a new section numbered
ection one hundred and ninety-seven-a, which new section shall read
s follows:

Section 197-a, Whenever a question or nronocitinn fe ta hea cesh.
nitted to the electors, or a referendum is to be had, such election or
eferendum may be held as provided herein.

The ballots shall be prepared by the electoral board and distributed
o the appropriate election precincts, and at the time for a regular elec-
ion, or on the day fixed for such election or referendum, the regular
Jection officials shall open the polls and take the sense of the qual-
fied voters of the county, city, town, ward, district, zone, or other
ocal sub-division on the question or proposition submitted to such
Jectors. Such election shall be held and conducted in the manner
yrescribed by law for other elections.

The statute, ordinance, order of the court, or other order author-
zing or directing such election to be had may prescribe the form of
he ballots and the manner in which they shall be marked, but, if not
;o prescribed, the ballots used shall be printed to read as follows:

“Question: (Here state briefly the question or proposition sub-
mitted to the electors)

[] For
[] Against”

The squares to be printed in such ballots shall not be less than one-
quarter nor more than one-half inch in size. Any person voting at any
such election shall place a check (\/) or a cross mark (> or +) or
a line (—) in the square or squares before the appropriate word or
words indicating how he desires to vote on the question or proposition
so submitted.

The ballots shall be counted and returns made and canvassed as in
other elections, and the results certified by the commissioners of elec-
tion to the clerk of the court, or the court or judge or other authority
calling or authorizing such election, as the case may be, who shall
make such order or certification as may be proper to accomplish the
purpose of such election or referendum.