Chap. 185.—An ACT to amend and reenact Section 83-a of the Code of Virginia
relating to elections. (H 4]

Approved March 11, 1948

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1, That section eighty-three-a of the Code of Virginia be
amended and reenacted as follows:

Section 83-a, State Board of Elections created——There shall be
a permanent board, which shall be known as the State Board of
Elections, to consist of three members, appointed by the Governor
from the qualified voters of the State, subject to confirmation by
the General Assembly. The regular terms of office of such members
shall be four years, commencing February first after their appoint-
ment. Vacancies shall be filled for the unexpired terms. In the
appointment of the board representation shall be given to the polit-
ical parties having the highest and next highest number of adher-
ents in this State. The Governor shall designate one member of the
board as the secretary, who shall receive a salary of five thousand
dollars a year. The remaining members shall receive a per diem of
twenty dollars for each day spent in the work of the board. All
members shall receive their necessary traveling and other expenses
incurred in the performance of their duties. The board shall adopt
a seal for its use, and by-laws for its own government and pro-
cedure. The board shall be provided with necessary office space
and equipment at the Capitol in Richmond, and may employ such
clerical and other assistants as it may require.

All the powers and duties conferred or imposed upon the Secre-
tary of the Commonwealth under the provisions of the election
laws of the State are hereby transferred to and shall be exercised
by the State Board of Elections. All records in the office of the
Secretary of the Commonwealth relating to elections shall be
transferred to, and retained by, the State Board of Elections. All
powers and duties conferred or imposed upon the Board of State
Canvassers by law are hereby transferred to and shall be exercised
by the State Board of Elections, and the Board of State Canvassers
is hereby abolished.

2. An emergency exists and this act is in force from its passage.