Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-521 — Virginia Code / Title 24.2 / Chapter 5 / Article 4 / Section 24.2-521
Petition required to accompany declaration; number of signatures required
Status: in_force

A. A candidate for nomination by primary for any office shall be required to file with his declaration of candidacy a petition for his name to be printed on the official primary ballot, on a form prescribed by the State Board, signed by the number of qualified voters specified in this section on and after January 1 of the year in which the election is held, and listing the residence address of each such voter. Each signature on the petition shall have been witnessed by a person who is not a minor or a felon whose voting rights have not been restored and whose affidavit to that effect appears on each page of the petition. Each such person circulating a petition who is not a legal resident of the Commonwealth shall sign a statement on the affidavit that he consents to the jurisdiction of the courts of Virginia in resolving any disputes concerning the circulation of petitions, or signatures contained therein, by that person. The signatures of qualified voters collected by a nonresident petition circulator who fails to sign such statement, or who later fails to appear or produce documents when properly served with a subpoena to do so, shall not be counted towards the minimum number of signatures required pursuant to subsection B.

Each voter signing the petition may provide on the petition the last four digits of his social security number, if any; however, noncompliance with this requirement shall not be cause to invalidate the voter's signature on the petition.

B. The minimum number of signatures of qualified voters required for primary candidate petitions shall be as follows:

1. For a candidate for the United States Senate, Governor, Lieutenant Governor, or Attorney General, 10,000 signatures, including the signatures of at least 400 qualified voters from each congressional district in the Commonwealth;

2. For a candidate for the United States House of Representatives, 1,000 signatures;

3. For a candidate for the Senate of Virginia, 250 signatures;

4. For a candidate for the House of Delegates or for a constitutional office, 125 signatures;

5. For a candidate for membership on the governing body of any county or city, 125 signatures; or if from an election district not at large containing 1,000 or fewer registered voters, 50 signatures;

6. For a candidate for membership on the governing body of any town that has more than 3,500 registered voters, 125 signatures; or if from a ward or other district not at large, 25 signatures;

7. For a candidate for membership on the governing body of any town that has at least 1,500 but not more than 3,500 registered voters, 50 signatures; or if from a ward or other district not at large, 25 signatures;

8. For a candidate for membership on the governing body of any town that has fewer than 1,500 registered voters, no petition shall be required; and

9. For any other candidate, 50 signatures.

Code 1950, § 24-373; 1952, c. 523; 1970, c. 462, § 24.1-185; 1971, Ex. Sess., cc. 119, 247; 1972, c. 620; 1978, c. 778; 1980, c. 639; 1982, c. 650; 1983, c. 188; 1989, c. 141; 1992, c. 855; 1993, cc. 407, 641; 1998, cc. 152 , 246 ; 2000, cc. 232 , 252 ; 2003, c. 477 ; 2010, c. 215 ; 2012, cc. 166 , 538 ; 2017, c. 355 ; 2020, c. 501 ; 2024, c. 498 .
Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-455 — Virginia Code / Title 24.2 / Chapter 4.1 / Section 24.2-455
Role of Commissioner of Elections
Status: in_force

A. The Commissioner of Elections is the state official responsible for implementing this chapter and Virginia's responsibilities under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act, 52 U.S.C. § 20301 et seq.

B. The Commissioner shall make available to covered voters information regarding voter registration procedures for covered voters and procedures for casting military-overseas ballots. The Commissioner may delegate the responsibility under this subsection only to the state office designated in compliance with § 102(b)(1) of the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act, 52 U.S.C. § 20302(b)(1).

C. The Commissioner shall coordinate with local electoral boards to establish an appropriate system through which a covered voter may apply for and receive voter registration materials, military-overseas ballots, and other information under this chapter.

D. The Commissioner shall:

1. Develop standardized absentee-voting materials, including privacy and transmission envelopes, authentication materials, and voting instructions to be used with the military-overseas ballot of a voter authorized to vote in any jurisdiction in this state; and

2. To the extent reasonably possible, coordinate with other states to carry out this subsection.

E. The Commissioner shall prescribe the form and content of a declaration for use by a covered voter to swear or affirm specific representations pertaining to the voter's identity, eligibility to vote, status as a covered voter, and timely and proper completion of an overseas-military ballot. The declaration must be based on the declaration prescribed to accompany a federal write-in absentee ballot, as modified to be consistent with this chapter. The Commissioner shall ensure that a form for the execution of the declaration, including an indication of the date of execution of the declaration, is a prominent part of all balloting materials for which the declaration is required.

2012, c. 353 ; 2013, c. 542 .
Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-711.1 — Virginia Code / Title 24.2 / Chapter 7 / Section 24.2-711.1
(Effective January 1, 2027) Absentee ballots; confirmation of receipt; notice of reason for rejection
Status: in_force

A. The Department, in coordination with local election officials, shall implement a free-access system by which a voter may determine:

1. Whether the voter's application for an absentee ballot has been received and accepted;

2. If the voter's application has been rejected, that it has been rejected and the reason for rejection; and

3. Whether the voter's absentee ballot has been received and the current status of the absentee ballot.

Such system shall be updated daily.

B. The electoral board of each county and city shall send a written explanation of the reason for rejection of an absentee ballot to the voter whose absentee ballot is rejected within 90 days of the date on which the ballot is rejected. The State Board of Elections shall promulgate instructions to implement the provisions of this section.

2002, c. 252 ; 2013, c. 537 ; 2026, c. 1018 .
Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-616 — Virginia Code / Title 24.2 / Chapter 6 / Article 2 / Section 24.2-616
Duties of printer; statement; penalty
Status: in_force

The printer contracting with or employed by the electoral board or general registrar to print the ballots shall sign a statement before the work is commenced agreeing, subject to felony penalties for making false statements pursuant to § 24.2-1016 , that he will print the number of ballots requested by the electoral board or the general registrar in accordance with the instructions given by the electoral board or the general registrar; that he will print, and permit to be printed, directly or indirectly, no more than that number; that he will at once destroy all imperfect and perfect impressions other than those required to be delivered to the general registrar; that as soon as such number of ballots is printed he will distribute the type, if any, used for such work; and that he will not communicate to anyone, in any manner, the size, style, or contents of such ballots.

A similar statement shall be required of any employee or other person engaged in the work.

Code 1950, § 24-218; 1970, c. 462, § 24.1-114; 1976, c. 616; 1993, c. 641; 2016, cc. 18 , 492 .
Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-604.6 — Virginia Code / Title 24.2 / Chapter 6 / Article 1 / Section 24.2-604.6
Polling places; simulated election activities
Status: in_force

Minors may be permitted to enter a polling place on the day of the election to vote in a simulated election at that polling place, provided that the local electoral board or general registrar has determined that such polling place can accommodate simulated election activities without interference or substantial delay in the orderly conduct of the official voting process. Persons supervising or working in a simulated election in which minors vote may remain within such polling place. The local electoral board or general registrar and the chief officer for the polling place shall exercise authority over, but shall have no responsibility for the administration of, simulated election related activities at the polling place.

2020, c. 561 .
Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-236 — Virginia Code / Title 24.2 / Chapter 2 / Article 7 / Section 24.2-236
Suspension from office pending hearing and appeal
Status: in_force

In the event of a judicial proceeding under § 24.2-231 , 24.2-232 , 24.2-233 , 24.2-234 , or 24.2-234.1 , the circuit court may enter an order suspending the officer pending the hearing. The court may, in its discretion, continue the suspension until the matter is finally disposed of in the Supreme Court or otherwise. Any officer who pleads guilty or nolo contendere to, or who is found guilty by a judge or jury of, a felony under the laws of any state or the United States shall be automatically suspended, regardless of any appeals, pleadings, delays, or motions. During the suspension, the court may appoint some suitable person to act in the officer's place. The officer's compensation shall be withheld and kept in a separate account and paid to him if and when the judicial proceedings result in his favor. Otherwise, it shall be paid back to the county, city, town, or State Treasurer who paid it.

1975, cc. 515, 595, § 24.1-79.8; 1993, c. 641; 2017, cc. 354 , 369 ; 2023, cc. 663 , 664 .
Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-1003 — Virginia Code / Title 24.2 / Chapter 10 / Section 24.2-1003
Campaigning at registration locations
Status: in_force

Any person who gives or tenders any campaign or referendum materials to, or solicits or attempts to influence the vote of, any person while he is at any registration location as defined in Article 3 (§ 24.2-411 et seq.) of Chapter 4 of this title knowing that such person is there for the purpose of registration, shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor. Nothing in this section shall prohibit the distribution of campaign or referendum materials outside any building in which a registration activity is being conducted.

1984, c. 480, § 24.1-49.01; 1993, c. 641; 2003, c. 1015 ; 2025, c. 584 .
Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-671.1 — Virginia Code / Title 24.2 / Chapter 6 / Article 4 / Section 24.2-671.1
Repealed
Status: repealed

Repealed by Acts 2022, cc. 443 and 444 , cl. 6.
Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-1005.2 — Virginia Code / Title 24.2 / Chapter 10 / Section 24.2-1005.2
Interference with voting
Status: in_force

A. Any person acting under the color of law who, contrary to an official policy or procedure, fails to permit, or refuses to permit, a qualified voter to vote, including a voter who is confined while awaiting trial or for having been convicted of a misdemeanor, or who willfully fails or refuses to tabulate, count, or report the vote of a qualified voter, is subject to a civil penalty in an amount not exceeding $1,000 for each affected voter. Such civil penalties shall be payable to the Voter Education and Outreach Fund established pursuant to § 24.2-131 .

B. Any person who furnishes a ballot to a person who he knows cannot understand the language in which the ballot is printed and misinforms him as to the content of the ballot with an intent to deceive him and induce him to vote contrary to his desire is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. Any person who changes a ballot of a person to prevent the person from voting as he desires is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. This subsection applies to any election and to any method used by a political party for selection of its nominees and for selection of delegates to its conventions and meetings.

2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 528 , 533 ; 2024, c. 553 .
Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-646 — Virginia Code / Title 24.2 / Chapter 6 / Article 4 / Section 24.2-646
Voter folds paper ballot and hands same to officer who deposits it unopened in ballot container
Status: in_force

The qualified voter shall fold each paper ballot with the names of the candidates and questions on the inside and hand the folded ballot to the appropriate officer of election. The officer shall place the ballot in the ballot container without any inspection except to assure himself that only a single ballot has been tendered and that the ballot is a genuine ballot. Without looking at the printed inside of the ballot, the officer may inspect the official seal on the back of the ballot to determine if it is genuine.

Code 1950, § 24-247; 1970, c. 462, § 24.1-131; 1993, c. 641; 2003, c. 1015 ; 2014, cc. 540 , 576 .
Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-955.3 — Virginia Code / Title 24.2 / Chapter 9.5 / Article 1 / Section 24.2-955.3
Penalties for violations of this chapter
Status: in_force

A. Any sponsor violating Article 2 (§ 24.2-956 et seq.) shall be subject to a civil penalty not to exceed $25,000. In the case of a willful violation, he is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

B. Any sponsor violating Article 3 (§ 24.2-957 et seq.) or 4 (§ 24.2-958 et seq.) shall be subject to a civil penalty not to exceed $25,000. In the case of a willful violation, he is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. In no event shall the total civil penalties imposed for multiple broadcasts of one particular campaign advertisement exceed $25,000.

C. Any person violating Article 5 (§ 24.2-959 et seq.) shall be subject to a civil penalty not to exceed $25,000, and in the case of a willful violation, he is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. A violation of the provisions of Article 5 shall not void any election.

D. The State Board, in a public hearing, shall determine whether to find a violation of this chapter and to assess a civil penalty. At least 10 days prior to such hearing, the State Board shall send notice by certified mail to persons whose actions will be reviewed at such meeting and may be subject to civil penalty. Notice shall include the time and date of the meeting, an explanation of the violation, and the maximum civil penalty that may be assessed.

E. It shall not be deemed a violation of this chapter if the contents of the disclosure legend or statement convey the required information.

F. Any civil penalties collected pursuant to an action under this section shall be payable to the State Treasurer for deposit to the general fund. The procedure to enforce the civil penalties provided in this section shall be as stated in § 24.2-946.3 .

2002, c. 487 , §§ 24 .2-943, 24 .2-944; 2003, c. 237 ; 2004, cc. 55 , 457 ; 2005, c. 369 ; 2006, cc. 787 , 892 ; 2010, c. 546 ; 2022, c. 744 .
Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-431 — Virginia Code / Title 24.2 / Chapter 4 / Article 5 / Section 24.2-431
Petition to court objecting to registration
Status: in_force

A. Any three qualified voters may file with the circuit court of the county or city in which they are registered a petition stating their objections to the registration of any person whose name is on the registration records for their county or city. However, no petition may be filed if the only objection raised is based on removal of residence from the precinct.

B. Fifteen days' notice shall be given by the petitioners to any person whose registration is objected to unless otherwise ordered by the court, and the court shall summarily proceed to determine the right of the person to registration. Any petition filed under this section shall be given precedence on the docket of the court. An order of the court concerning registration of the voter shall not be limited by the provisions of § 24.2-416 requiring the registration records to be closed.

C. Any notice of appeal shall be filed within seven days of the circuit court's final order and all appeals under this section shall be given precedence on the docket.

Code 1950, § 24-102; 1970, c. 462, § 24.1-63; 1993, c. 641; 1996, cc. 72 , 73 ; 2026 , c. 1064 .
Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-949.7 — Virginia Code / Title 24.2 / Chapter 9.3 / Article 4 / Section 24.2-949.7
Large dollar contribution reporting requirement for political action committees
Status: in_force

In addition to the scheduled reports required by § 24.2-949.6 , political action committees shall report any single contribution or loan of $10,000 or more received at any time during the calendar year within three business days of receipt of the contribution or loan.

1. The report shall be filed on a "large dollar contribution report" form prescribed by the State Board and shall be filed in writing or electronically in the same manner as the political action committee files its scheduled reports.

2. Any contribution or loan reported pursuant to this section shall also be reported on the next subsequent report required under § 24.2-949.6 following receipt of the contribution or loan.

3. For the purposes of this section, political action committees shall report as one contribution multiple contributions from a single source that have been subdivided into smaller amounts or given through different bank accounts for the purpose of evading the $10,000 threshold. A political action committee that receives contributions from affiliated organizations shall not be deemed to be receiving contributions from a single source.

1984, c. 480, § 24.1-923; 1991, cc. 9, 709; 1993, cc. 639, 641, § 24.2-923; 1995, c. 785 ; 2002, cc. 156 , 237 ; 2003, c. 256 ; 2004, c. 26 ; 2005, c. 9 ; 2006, cc. 787 , 892 ; 2023, c. 764 .
Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-955 — Virginia Code / Title 24.2 / Chapter 9.5 / Article 1 / Section 24.2-955
Scope of disclosure requirements
Status: in_force

The disclosure requirements of this chapter apply to any sponsor of an advertisement in the print media, on radio or television, or placed or promoted for a fee on an online platform, the cost or value of which constitutes an expenditure or contribution required to be disclosed under Chapter 9.3 (§ 24.2-945 et seq.) except that the disclosure requirements of this chapter do not apply to (i) an individual who makes independent expenditures aggregating less than $1,000 in an election cycle for or against a candidate for statewide office or less than $200 in an election cycle for or against a candidate for any other office or (ii) an individual who incurs expenses only with respect to a referendum.

2002, c. 487 , § 24.2-941; 2006, cc. 787 , 892 ; 2008, c. 825 ; 2020, c. 551 .
Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-501 — Virginia Code / Title 24.2 / Chapter 5 / Article 1 / Section 24.2-501
Statement of qualification as requirement of candidacy
Status: in_force

It shall be a requirement of candidacy for any office of the Commonwealth, or of its governmental units, that a person must file a written statement under oath, on a form prescribed by the State Board, that he is qualified to vote for and hold the office for which he is a candidate. Every candidate for election to statewide office, the United States House of Representatives, or the General Assembly shall file the statement with the State Board. Every candidate for any other office shall file the statement with the general registrar of the county or city where he resides. Each general registrar shall transmit to the State Board, immediately after the filing deadline, a list of the candidates who have filed statements of qualification.

The candidate may state, as part of his statement of qualification, how he would like his name to appear on the ballot; however, all names printed on the ballot shall meet the criteria established by the State Board.

Code 1950, § 24-132; 1970, c. 462, § 24.1-167; 1971, Ex. Sess., c. 226; 1973, c. 30; 1975, c. 515; 1976, c. 616; 1977, c. 490; 1978, c. 778; 1980, c. 639; 1982, c. 650; 1984, c. 480; 1987, Sp. Sess., c. 1; 1988, c. 469; 1990, cc. 476, 865; 1991, c. 137; 1993, c. 641; 2003, c. 1015 .
Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-109 — Virginia Code / Title 24.2 / Chapter 1 / Article 3 / Section 24.2-109
Appointment and removal of general registrar; appointment of officers of election; powers and duties in general
Status: in_force

A. Each electoral board shall appoint the general registrar for its city or county and officers of election for each precinct who shall serve in all elections, including town elections, as provided in this chapter. The secretary of the electoral board shall promptly notify each appointee of his appointment.

B. The electoral board may institute proceedings pursuant to § 24.2-234.1 for the removal of any general registrar by a recorded majority vote of the Board after a public hearing on related matters.

The electoral board may remove a general registrar by a recorded unanimous vote of all its members after a public hearing on related matters. A registrar who is so removed may file a notice of appeal to the State Board within three business days. Upon receipt of a properly filed appeal, the State Board shall schedule a public hearing on the matter as soon as practicable. Upon consideration of the appeal, the State Board may reverse the decision of the electoral board by a recorded two-thirds majority vote of all its members. Such decision shall be final and not subject to appeal. A general registrar who is removed by a unanimous vote of the electoral board shall remain in office until the expiration of the deadline to file a notice of appeal or, if the notice of appeal is properly filed, until the State Board renders a final decision upholding the decision of the electoral board.

The State Board shall prescribe standards and procedures for the conduct of public hearings conducted pursuant to this subsection.

A general registrar may be removed or have removal proceedings instituted against him pursuant to this subsection for (i) neglect of a clear, ministerial duty of the office, misuse of the office, or incompetence in the performance of the duties of the office where such neglect, misuse, or incompetence has a material adverse effect upon the conduct of the office or (ii) an unambiguous indication of a future refusal or failure to carry out the duties of the office where such refusal or failure would likely have a material adverse effect upon the conduct of the office.

C. The electoral board shall remove from office, on notice, any general registrar who fails to receive or maintain certification as required by the State Board pursuant to subsection C of § 24.2-103 .

D. The electoral board shall perform the duties assigned by this title, including the conduct of the election and the ascertaining and certification of the results of the election. Such duties are a clear ministerial duty of the office and nondiscretionary, and the neglect of any such duty, or the refusal to perform such duty in accordance with law, shall be grounds for removal pursuant to § 24.2-234.1 .

Code 1950, §§ 24-30, 24-35, 24-36, 24-52, 24-52.1, 24-55, 24-61, 24-65, 24-66, 24-118.1, 24-199; 1954, c. 691; 1962, c. 475; 1964, c. 608; 1968, cc. 97, 141; 1970, c. 462, §§ 24.1-32, 24.1-34, 24.1-43; 1973, c. 30; 1974, c. 428; 1975, c. 515; 1976, c. 12; 1978, c. 778; 1980, c. 639; 1981, c. 425; 1982, cc. 290, 650; 1983, c. 511; 1984, c. 480; 1985, c. 197; 1986, c. 558; 1988, c. 528; 1989, c. 227; 1993, c. 641; 2004, cc. 27 , 391 ; 2020, c. 1148 ; 2023, cc. 256 , 257 ; 2026, cc. 60 , 1032 .
Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-538 — Virginia Code / Title 24.2 / Chapter 5 / Article 4 / Section 24.2-538
Procedure when opposed candidate for nomination dies prior to primary
Status: in_force

If any person who is a candidate for nomination by a political party at a primary election, and who, along with one or more other candidates, has qualified to have his name printed on the official ballot for the primary, dies 45 days or more before the day on which the primary is to be held, any person otherwise qualified who desires to be a candidate at that primary may file a declaration of and petition for his candidacy with the proper chairman of his party committee. The declaration and petition shall comply in every respect with the requirements established generally for such declarations and petitions by this article, except that the declaration and petition shall be filed at least 35 days before the day on which the primary is to be held.

The party chairman or chairmen shall promptly certify the names of every such person to the State Board and appropriate electoral boards as having qualified under the provisions of this section. Every electoral board having charge of the printing of official ballots for the primary election shall either:

1. Cause to be printed thereon the name of every person so certified; or

2. If the official ballots have already been printed, cause separate ballots to be printed for the office containing the names of those candidates other than the decedent who have theretofore qualified and the names of those certified to it as having qualified pursuant to the provisions of this section. The board may, in its discretion, cause to be stricken from the ballots already printed the title of the office involved and the names of all candidates for nomination for the office appearing thereon.

Whenever any additional candidate shall qualify pursuant to this section, no ballots theretofore cast by absentee vote for a candidate for such office shall be counted, but any person who has so voted shall be entitled to receive a new ballot and to vote for his choice among all the candidates for such office.

Code 1950, § 24-392; 1970, c. 462, § 24.1-196; 1976, c. 616; 1993, c. 641; 2010, cc. 449 , 645 .
Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-406 — Virginia Code / Title 24.2 / Chapter 4 / Article 2 / Section 24.2-406
Lists of persons voting at elections
Status: in_force

A. The Department of Elections shall furnish, at a reasonable price, lists of persons who voted at any primary, special, or general election held in the four preceding years to (i) candidates for election or political party nomination to further their candidacy, (ii) political party committees or officials thereof for political purposes only, (iii) political action committees that have filed a current statement of organization with the Department of Elections pursuant to § 24.2-949.2 or with the Federal Elections Commission pursuant to federal law, for political purposes only, (iv) incumbent officeholders to report to their constituents, and (v) members of the public or a nonprofit organization seeking to promote voter participation and registration by means of a communication or mailing without intimidation or pressure exerted on the recipient, for that purpose only. Such lists shall be furnished to no one else and shall be used only for campaign and political purposes and for reporting to constituents. Unless such lists are not available due to a pending recount or election contest, the general registrar shall submit the list of persons who voted to the Department of Elections within 14 days after each election. The general registrars of localities using nonelectronic pollbooks shall submit the list of persons who voted to the Department of Elections within seven days after the pollbooks are released from the possession of the clerk of court. The Department of Elections shall make available such lists no later than seven days after receiving them from the general registrar.

B. The Department of Elections shall furnish to the Chief Election Officer of another state, on request and at a reasonable price, lists of persons who voted at any primary, special, or general election held for the four preceding years. Such lists shall be used only for the purpose of maintenance of voter registration systems and shall be transmitted in accordance with security policies approved by the State Board of Elections.

C. In no event shall any list furnished under this section contain the social security number, or any part thereof, of any registered voter, except for a list furnished to the Chief Election Officer of another state permitted to use social security numbers, or any parts thereof, that provides for the use of such numbers on applications for voter registration in accordance with federal law, for maintenance of voter registration systems.

D. Any list furnished under this section shall contain the post office box address in lieu of the residence street address for any individual who has furnished at the time of registration or subsequently, in addition to his street address, a post office box address pursuant to subsection B of § 24.2-418 .

1970, c. 462, § 24.1-23; 1971, Ex. Sess., c. 119; 1972, c. 620; 1973, c. 30; 1974, cc. 369, 428; 1975, c. 515; 1976, c. 616; 1978, c. 778; 1983, c. 348; 1993, cc. 144, 641; 1994, c. 250 ; 1995, c. 314 ; 1996, c. 251 ; 2001, cc. 612 , 626 ; 2003, c. 1015 ; 2004, cc. 184 , 410 ; 2007, c. 318 ; 2009, c. 318 ; 2012, c. 664 ; 2013, c. 446 ; 2015, c. 712 ; 2016, cc. 18 , 492 .
Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-625.2 — Virginia Code / Title 24.2 / Chapter 6 / Article 3 / Section 24.2-625.2
Wireless communications at polling places
Status: in_force

There shall be no wireless communications on election day, while the polls are open, between or among voting machines within the polling place or between any voting machine within the polling place and any equipment outside the polling place. For purposes of this section, the term wireless communication shall mean the ability to transfer information via electromagnetic waves without the use of electrical conductors.

The provisions of this section shall not apply to voting machines purchased by any locality before July 1, 2007.

The provisions of this section shall not be construed to prohibit the operation of electronic pollbook devices at polling places on election day.

2007, cc. 939 , 943 ; 2008, cc. 87 , 393 .
Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-653.1 — Virginia Code / Title 24.2 / Chapter 6 / Article 4 / Section 24.2-653.1
Voters who did not receive absentee ballots; provisional ballots
Status: in_force

Any person who offers to vote pursuant to § 24.2-643 at his proper polling place or at a central absentee voter precinct established by the governing body of the county or city where he is registered to vote, but whose name is shown on the pollbook as having applied for an absentee ballot, shall be entitled to cast a provisional ballot if, for any reason, he did not receive or has lost the absentee ballot or has chosen to not vote absentee. In such case, he shall be required to present to the officer of election a statement signed by him that he did not receive the ballot, has lost the ballot, or has not cast the ballot, subject to felony penalties for making false statements as pursuant to § 24.2-1016 , before being given a printed ballot and permitted to vote the provisional ballot. The electoral board shall process the ballot in accordance with the provisions of § 24.2-653.01 and the instructions of the State Board.

2006, c. 283 ; 2010, c. 348 ; 2014, cc. 540 , 576 ; 2020, c. 735 ; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 471 .
Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-950 — Virginia Code / Title 24.2 / Chapter 9.3 / Article 5 / Section 24.2-950
Political party committee election cycle
Status: in_force

The political party committee's election cycle shall be deemed to begin on January 1 and continue through December 31 of each calendar year.

2006, cc. 787 , 892 .
Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-947.2 — Virginia Code / Title 24.2 / Chapter 9.3 / Article 3 / Section 24.2-947.2
Campaign depositories; reimbursements of expenses; petty cash fund
Status: in_force

A. Upon meeting any of the requirements of subsection A of § 24.2-947.1 , the candidate shall designate a campaign depository, which shall be maintained in a financial institution within the Commonwealth, in an account properly identifying the name of and the existence of the political candidacy.

B. No candidate, campaign treasurer, or other individual shall pay any expense on behalf of a candidate, directly or indirectly, except by a check or electronic debit drawn on such designated depository identifying the name of the campaign committee and candidate. However, a candidate, treasurer, or other authorized member of the candidate's campaign staff may be reimbursed, by a check or electronic debit drawn on the designated depository, or according to the provisions of subsection C, for the payment of expenses (i) paid by him by cash, check or electronic debit, or credit card, (ii) made on behalf of the campaign, and (iii) fully documented by complete records of the expenditure, maintained as required by this chapter, and including receipts identifying the nature of the expenses and the names and addresses of each person paid by the recipient of the reimbursement.

C. A campaign committee (i) may establish a petty cash fund to be utilized for the purpose of making expenditures or reimbursing verified credit card expenditures of less than $200 if complete records of such expenditures are maintained as required by this chapter and (ii) may transfer funds from the designated campaign depository to an account or instrument to earn interest on the funds so long as the transferred funds and earned interest are returned to the designated depository account, complete records are maintained, and all expenditures are made through the designated depository account.

D. 1. Notwithstanding the provisions of this section pertaining to campaign committee depositories and accounts, the campaign committee's treasurer may establish a separate federal compliance account in the candidate's designated campaign depository for the purpose of complying with requirements of federal law including, without limitation, restrictions on sources and amounts of campaign contributions applicable to federal candidates and officeholders. The candidate and campaign treasurer shall report all contributions and expenditures for an account established pursuant to this subsection on a consolidated basis with the candidate's campaign account established pursuant to this section in disclosure reports filed pursuant to this article. In addition, the treasurer may transfer funds from a federal compliance account created pursuant to this subsection to an account or instrument to earn interest on the funds so long as the transferred funds and earned interest are returned to the designated depository account created pursuant to subsection A, complete records are maintained, and all expenditures are made through the designated depository account.

2. A committee registered with the Federal Election Commission which is not otherwise required by this chapter to file with the State Board, shall not be deemed to have triggered such filing requirements solely by virtue of one or more contributions to one or more federal compliance accounts created pursuant to this subsection.

1970, c. 462, §§ 24.1-253, 24.1-254; 1971, Ex. Sess., c. 222; 1972, cc. 620, 622; 1975, c. 515; 1978, c. 778; 1983, c. 119; 1984, c. 480; 1993, c. 641, §§ 24.2-904, 24.2-905; 1996, cc. 217 , 405 ; 2000, c. 326 ; 2001, c. 633 ; 2002, cc. 213 , 232 ; 2003, cc. 248 , 967 , § 24.2-905.1; 2004, cc. 441 , 457 , 480 ; 2006, cc. 787 , 892 ; 2020, c. 349 .
Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-953 — Virginia Code / Title 24.2 / Chapter 9.3 / Article 8 / Section 24.2-953
General provisions
Status: in_force

A. The procedures to enforce the provisions of this article are found in § 24.2-946.3 .

B. Either the failure to file any statement or report or the late filing of any statement or report required by this chapter shall constitute a violation of this chapter subject to the penalties provided in this article.

C. Any person who violates, or aids, abets, or participates in the violation of, this chapter shall be subject to a civil penalty not to exceed $100, unless a greater penalty is imposed by this article.

D. In the case of a willful violation, the violator shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. There shall be a rebuttable presumption that the violation of this chapter was willful if the violation is based on a person's failure to file a report required by this chapter and his failure to file continues for more than 60 days following his actual receipt of written notice of his failure to file sent to him by certified mail, return receipt requested, by the State Board or a general registrar. Such notice shall be sent to the most recent mailing address provided by the candidate or committee.

E. In the case of a failure to file a required statement or report by the specified deadline, the length of the delinquency shall be a factor in determining the amount of the civil penalty assessed.

F. The statute of limitations applicable to a violation of this chapter is stated in § 19.2-8 .

G. The requirements of this chapter for the filing of timely and complete statements and reports by any candidate campaign committee or political committee shall at all times remain in full force and effect and shall not be vacated, suspended, or modified as the result of any pending or completed criminal or civil investigation of the candidate campaign committee, the political committee, or any individual participant in the committee.

1975, c. 515, § 24.1-262; 1990, c. 976; 1991, c. 709; 1993, c. 641, § 24.2-929; 1994, c. 752 ; 1995, c. 785 ; 2000, cc. 511 , 555 ; 2001, cc. 620 , 635 , 648 ; 2004, cc. 457 , 480 ; 2005, cc. 9 , 371 , 676 , 745 ; 2006, cc. 787 , 892 ; 2012, c. 298 ; 2015, cc. 644 , 645 .
Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-632 — Virginia Code / Title 24.2 / Chapter 6 / Article 3 / Section 24.2-632
Voting equipment custodians
Status: in_force

A. For the purpose of programming and preparing voting and counting equipment, including the programming of any electronic activation devices or data storage media used to program or operate the equipment, and maintaining, testing, calibrating, and delivering it, the electoral board and general registrar shall employ one or more persons, to be known as custodians of voting equipment. The custodians shall be fully competent, thoroughly instructed, and sworn to perform their duties honestly and faithfully, and for such purpose shall be appointed and instructed at least 30 days before each election. With the approval of the State Board, the electoral board or general registrar may contract with the voting equipment vendor or another contractor for the purpose of programming, preparing and maintaining the voting equipment. The voting equipment custodians shall instruct and supervise the vendor or contractor technicians and oversee the programming, testing, calibrating and delivering of the equipment. The vendor or contractor technicians shall be sworn to perform their duties honestly and faithfully and be informed of and subject to the misdemeanor and felony penalties provided in §§ 24.2-1009 and 24.2-1010 .

The final testing of the equipment prior to each election shall be done in the presence of an electoral board member, a representative of the electoral board, or the general registrar. The electoral board or general registrar may authorize a representative to be present at the final testing only if it is impracticable for a board member or general registrar to attend, and such representative shall in no case be the custodian or a vendor or contractor technician who was responsible for programming the ballot software, electronic activation devices, or electronic data storage media.

B. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection A, the local electoral board or general registrar may assign a board member or a deputy registrar to serve as a custodian without pay for such service. The board member or deputy registrar serving as custodian shall be fully competent, thoroughly instructed, and sworn to perform his duties honestly and faithfully, and for such purpose shall be appointed and instructed at least 30 days before each election. Whenever the presence of an electoral board member or general registrar and custodian is required by the provisions of this title, the same person shall not serve in both capacities.

Code 1950, §§ 24-296, 24-299; 1970, c. 462, § 24.1-209; 1973, c. 30; 1974, c. 428; 1981, c. 570; 1985, c. 458; 1993, c. 641; 1999, c. 219 ; 2004, cc. 993 , 1010 ; 2016, cc. 18 , 492 ; 2022, c. 140 .
Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-116 — Virginia Code / Title 24.2 / Chapter 1 / Article 5 / Section 24.2-116
Compensation of officers; volunteer officers
Status: in_force

The governing body of each county, city, or town shall pay its officers of election at least $75 for each full day's service rendered on each election day. In addition, the governing body shall pay each officer $10 and mileage at the rate payable to members of the General Assembly for each time he delivers pollbooks and ballots to the polling place and each time he delivers returns and ballots to the appropriate official after the polls close. Jurisdictions may increase the salary of the officers collecting and delivering materials by at least $10 and the equivalent of mileage expenses from the furthest polling place in the locality in lieu of calculating the mileage and extra pay required by this section.

An officer of election may waive compensation and serve as an unpaid volunteer officer. Unpaid volunteer officers shall possess the qualifications and fulfill the requirements that apply to paid officers of election.

Code 1950, §§ 24-207 through 24-209; 1950, p. 245; 1956, c. 235; 1968, c. 141; 1970, c. 462, § 24.1-107; 1972, c. 620; 1974, c. 428; 1993, c. 641; 2003, c. 1015 ; 2012, c. 489 .
Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-809 — Virginia Code / Title 24.2 / Chapter 8 / Article 2 / Section 24.2-809
Filing answer; contents; enlargement or amendment of answer
Status: in_force

The contestee shall, within ten days after the complaint is served on him, file in the clerk's office an answer, in which he shall admit or deny the allegations on which the contestant relies, or state that he has no knowledge or information concerning an allegation which shall be deemed denial, and state any other defenses, in law or fact, on which he relies. If no answer is filed within the time prescribed, the contestee shall not be heard to assert any claim or objection which is required by this section to be stated in the answer.

No enlargement or amendment of the answer, except as to form, shall be permitted save by leave of court as provided in Rule 1:8 of the Rules of the Supreme Court of Virginia.

Code 1950, § 24-435; 1952, c. 489; 1970, c. 462, § 24.1-242; 1981, c. 570; 1993, c. 641.
Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-500 — Virginia Code / Title 24.2 / Chapter 5 / Article 1 / Section 24.2-500
Qualification of candidates
Status: in_force

In order to qualify as a candidate for any office of the Commonwealth, or of its governmental units, a person must be qualified to vote for and hold that office. In order to hold any office of the Commonwealth or its governmental units, elective by the people, the candidate must have been a resident of the Commonwealth for one year next preceding his election and be qualified to vote for that office.

Code 1950, § 24-132; 1970, c. 462, § 24.1-167; 1971, Ex. Sess., c. 226; 1973, c. 30; 1975, c. 515; 1976, c. 616; 1977, c. 490; 1978, c. 778; 1980, c. 639; 1982, c. 650; 1984, c. 480; 1987, Sp. Sess., c. 1; 1988, c. 469; 1990, cc. 476, 865; 1991, c. 137; 1993, c. 641.
Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-614 — Virginia Code / Title 24.2 / Chapter 6 / Article 2 / Section 24.2-614
Preparation and form of presidential election ballots
Status: in_force

As soon as practicable after the seventy-fourth day before the presidential election, the State Board shall certify to the general registrar of each county and city the form of official ballot for the presidential election which shall be uniform throughout the Commonwealth. Each general registrar shall have the official ballot printed at least 45 days preceding the election.

The ballot shall contain the name of each political party and the party group name, if any, specified by the individuals naming electors by petition pursuant to § 24.2-242 . Below the party name in parentheses, the ballot shall contain the words "Electors for __________, President and __________, Vice President" with the blanks filled in with the names of the candidates for President and Vice President for whom the candidates for electors are expected to vote in the Electoral College.

Groups of petitioners qualifying for a party name under § 24.2-242 shall be treated as a class; the order of the groups shall be determined by lot by the State Board; and the groups shall immediately precede the independent class on the ballot. The names of the candidates within the independent class shall be listed alphabetically.

Code 1950, §§ 24-215, 24-290.4; 1952, c. 330; 1970, c. 462, §§ 24.1-111, 24.1-160; 1971, Ex. Sess., c. 119; 1972, c. 620; 1973, c. 30; 1980, c. 639; 1981, c. 425; 1982, c. 650; 1984, c. 480; 1993, c. 641; 1997, c. 209 ; 2002, c. 738 ; 2016, cc. 18 , 492 ; 2018, c. 464 ; 2024, c. 801 .
Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-666 — Virginia Code / Title 24.2 / Chapter 6 / Article 4 / Section 24.2-666
Procedures to account for paper ballots
Status: in_force

The State Board shall prescribe appropriate forms and procedures for use by the local electoral boards, general registrars, and officers of election to account for all paper ballots, used and unused.

1988, cc. 291, 318, § 24.1-143.1; 1993, c. 641.
Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-513 — Virginia Code / Title 24.2 / Chapter 5 / Article 4 / Section 24.2-513
Provisions as to general elections applicable
Status: in_force

All the provisions and requirements of the laws of this Commonwealth in relation to the holding of elections shall apply to all primaries insofar as they are consistent with this article.

Code 1950, § 24-356; 1952, c. 4; 1964, c. 545; 1970, c. 462, § 24.1-178; 1993, c. 641.
Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-681 — Virginia Code / Title 24.2 / Chapter 6 / Article 5 / Section 24.2-681
How special elections superintended and determined
Status: in_force

All special elections shall be superintended and held, notice thereof given, ballots prepared, returns made and certified, votes canvassed, results ascertained and made known, and certificates of election given, by the same officers, under the same penalties, and subject to the same regulations as prescribed for general elections, except as otherwise provided by law.

Code 1950, § 24-140; 1970, c. 462, § 24.1-164; 1973, c. 30; 1993, c. 641.
Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-947.9 — Virginia Code / Title 24.2 / Chapter 9.3 / Article 3 / Section 24.2-947.9
Special report required of certain large pre-election contributions
Status: in_force

A. Any contribution reported pursuant to this section shall also be reported on the first report required by this article after any election.

B. Except as provided in subsection C, any single contribution of $5,000 or more for a statewide office, $1,000 or more for the General Assembly, or $500 or more for any other office, knowingly received or reported by the candidate or his treasurer on behalf of his candidacy on and after the eleventh day preceding (i) a primary and before the primary date, (ii) a general election and before the general election date, or (iii) any other election in which the individual is a candidate and before the election day, shall be reported in writing as provided in §§ 24.2-947.4 and 24.2-947.5 or electronically pursuant to § 24.2-946.1 , and the report shall be received by the State Board or general registrar, as appropriate, by 11:59 p.m. on the following day or for a contribution received on a Saturday by 11:59 p.m. on the following Monday. However, any such contribution received within the 24 hours prior to the election day shall be reported and a report thereof received on the day prior to the election.

C. The reports required by subsection B of this section shall also be required of any candidate for nomination by a political party to serve as the party's nominee in a general or special election if (i) the party nominates by convention or any method other than a primary and (ii) there are at least two candidates for nomination pursuant to the rules and procedures of the party. In such case, candidates for nomination shall be required to file the reports required by subsection B for the 11-day period, as specified by subsection B, immediately preceding:

1. The caucus, mass meeting, convention, or other nominating event at which the party's nomination shall be finally determined pursuant to the rules and procedures of the party; and

2. Any caucus, mass meeting, convention, or other nominating event, other than that at which the party's nomination shall be finally determined, at which delegates are chosen who are pledged to support a specified candidate on at least one ballot at a subsequent district or state convention required as part of the nominating process.

D. No report shall be required pursuant to subsection C if the candidate is or has become, by virtue of the withdrawal of any opponent or the operation of the rules and procedures of the party, unopposed for nomination at the time such report otherwise would be required to be made.

E. Any person who is named as the candidate on the statement of organization for more than one campaign committee required to file campaign finance reports under this article shall be required to file special reports pursuant to this section for all such committees during the period applicable to any such campaign committee.

1986, c. 558, § 24.1-257.2; 1988, c. 734; 1991, c. 709; 1993, cc. 639, 641, § 24.2-919; 1995, c. 785 ; 1998, c. 382 ; 2000, c. 304 ; 2006, cc. 787 , 892 ; 2007, cc. 151 , 286 ; 2008, c. 380 ; 2015, cc. 644 , 645 , 646 ; 2016, c. 401 ; 2020, c. 347 .
Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-638 — Virginia Code / Title 24.2 / Chapter 6 / Article 3 / Section 24.2-638
Voting equipment to be in plain view; officers and others not permitted to see actual voting; unlocking counter compartment of equipment, etc
Status: in_force

During the election, the exterior of the voting equipment and every part of the polling place shall be in plain view of the officers of election.

No voting or counting machines shall be removed from the plain view of the officers of election or from the polling place at any time during the election and through the determination of the vote as provided in § 24.2-657 , except as provided in subsection D of § 24.2-649.1 . In the case of an emergency that makes a polling place unusable or inaccessible, voting or counting machines may be removed to an alternative polling place pursuant to the provisions of subsection D of § 24.2-310 .

The equipment shall be placed at least four feet from any table where an officer of election is working or seated. The officers of election shall not themselves be, or permit any other person to be, in any position or near any position that will permit them to observe how a voter votes or has voted.

One of the officers shall inspect the face of the voting machine after each voter has cast his vote and verify that the ballots on the face of the machine are in their proper places and that the machine has not been damaged. During an election, the door or other covering of the counter compartment of the voting or counting machine shall not be unlocked or open or the counters exposed except for good and sufficient reasons, a statement of which shall be made and signed by the officers of election and attached to the statement of results. No person shall be permitted in or about the polling place except the voting equipment custodian, vendor, or contractor technicians and other persons authorized by this title.

Code 1950, § 24-305; 1962, c. 260; 1970, c. 462, § 24.1-215; 1985, c. 458; 1993, c. 641; 2004, cc. 978 , 993 , 1006 , 1010 ; 2009, c. 494 ; 2014, cc. 540 , 576 ; 2016, cc. 18 , 492 ; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 163 .
Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-605 — Virginia Code / Title 24.2 / Chapter 6 / Article 1 / Section 24.2-605
Loudspeakers prohibited at polls; penalty
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding any contrary statute or ordinance of a county, city, or town, except for school purposes or in an emergency, no loudspeaker shall be used within 300 feet of a polling place on an election day. Any person violating this section shall be guilty of a Class 4 misdemeanor.

1976, c. 616, § 24.1-96.1; 1993, c. 641.
Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-522 — Virginia Code / Title 24.2 / Chapter 5 / Article 4 / Section 24.2-522
(Effective until January 1, 2027) When and to whom filings to be made
Status: in_force

A. Declarations of candidacy, petitions, and receipts indicating the payment of filing fees shall be filed not earlier than noon of the ninety-second day and not later than 5:00 p.m. of the seventy-fifth day before the primary.

B. Except as provided in subsection C, candidates for nomination shall file their declarations, petitions, and receipts with the chairman or chairmen of the several committees of the respective parties.

C. Any candidate for nomination for United States Senator, Governor, Lieutenant Governor, or Attorney General shall file with the State Board (i) his declaration of candidacy, (ii) the petitions for his candidacy, sealed in one or more containers to which is attached a written statement under oath by the candidate giving his name and the number of signatures on the petitions contained in the containers, and (iii) a receipt indicating the payment of his filing fee.

The State Board shall transmit the material so filed to the state chairman of the party of the candidate within 72 hours and not later than the seventy-fourth day before the primary. The sealed containers containing the petitions for a candidate may be opened only by the state chairman of the party of the candidate.

Code 1950, §§ 24-370 through 24-372, 24-374; 1960, c. 427; 1970, c. 462, §§ 24.1-184, 24.1-186; 1978, cc. 239, 778, § 24.1-186.1; 1983, c. 461; 1993, c. 641; 2003, c. 1015 ; 2010, cc. 449 , 645 ; 2013, c. 443 .
Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-407 — Virginia Code / Title 24.2 / Chapter 4 / Article 2 / Section 24.2-407
Statement for persons receiving lists of persons registered or voting; penalties
Status: in_force

Any person receiving lists pursuant to § 24.2-405 , 24.2-406 , 24.2-706 , or 24.2-710 shall sign the following statement:

"I understand that the lists requested are the property of the State Board of Elections of the Commonwealth of Virginia, and I hereby state or agree, subject to felony penalties for making false statements pursuant to § 24.2-1016 , that (i) I am a person authorized by § 24.2-405 , 24.2-406 , 24.2-706 , or 24.2-710 of the Code of Virginia to receive a copy of the lists described; (ii) the lists will be used only for the purposes prescribed and for no other use; and (iii) I will not permit the use or copying of the lists by persons not authorized by the Code of Virginia to obtain them.

Signature of Purchaser ______________________________."

1970, c. 462, § 24.1-23; 1971, Ex. Sess., c. 119; 1972, c. 620; 1973, c. 30; 1974, cc. 369, 428; 1975, c. 515; 1976, c. 616; 1978, c. 778; 1983, c. 348; 1993, c. 641; 2010, c. 812 .
Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-459 — Virginia Code / Title 24.2 / Chapter 4.1 / Section 24.2-459
Timeliness and scope of application for military-overseas ballot
Status: in_force

An application for a military-overseas ballot is timely if received by the seventh day before the election or the last day for other voters in this state to apply for an absentee ballot for that election. An application for a military-overseas ballot for a primary election, whether or not timely, is effective as an application for a military-overseas ballot for the general election.

2012, c. 353 .
Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-1011 — Virginia Code / Title 24.2 / Chapter 10 / Section 24.2-1011
Ballot not to be carried away
Status: in_force

It shall be unlawful for any person to carry the official ballot furnished him by the officers of the election further than the voting booth, and should he, after receiving the ballot, conclude not to vote, he shall immediately return the ballot to the officers. Any person who (i) carries an official ballot or copy thereof beyond or away from the voting booth, except to the officers of election, or (ii) votes any ballot except the ballot received from the officers of election, shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

Code 1950, § 24-236; 1970, c. 462, § 24.1-269; 1993, c. 641.
Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-418.2 — Virginia Code / Title 24.2 / Chapter 4 / Article 4 / Section 24.2-418.2
(For contingent effective date, see Acts 2026, cc. 992 and 1081, cl. 3) Registration bv persons previously incarcerated; safety net
Status: in_force

A. Any person who was convicted of a felony and sentenced to a period of incarceration for such felony conviction shall be entitled to register to vote once released from incarceration. When registering to vote, such person shall not be required to present evidence, including a court order or other documentation, that he is entitled to register to vote.

B. If the Virginia voter registration system indicates an applicant who was previously incarcerated is ineligible to register to vote due to his sentence of incarceration for a felony conviction, but the applicant is otherwise qualified, the general registrar shall promptly notify the applicant. Notice shall be in writing and shall inform the applicant that he may provide documentation stating that he has been released from incarceration for a specified felony conviction in order to be registered to vote. Such an applicant who provides documentation stating that he has been released from incarceration for a specified felony conviction shall be registered to vote.

2026, cc. 992 , 1081 .
Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-946.3 — Virginia Code / Title 24.2 / Chapter 9.3 / Article 2 / Section 24.2-946.3
Reporting of certain violations; penalties
Status: in_force

A. It shall be the duty of the State Board to report any violation of the provisions of this chapter to the appropriate attorney for the Commonwealth. The State Board shall report to the attorney for the Commonwealth of the City of Richmond in the case of reporting requirements for campaign committees for statewide office and to the attorney for the Commonwealth of the county or city of the residence of a candidate for the General Assembly. For political committees, the State Board shall report the violation to the attorney for the Commonwealth of the City of Richmond. If all the officers of a political committee are residents of one county or city as shown on the statement of organization required by this chapter, the State Board shall report violations for that political committee to the attorney for the Commonwealth of that county or city.

B. It shall be the duty of the general registrar of a county or city to report any violation of the provisions of this chapter relating to the filing of campaign finance reports required to be filed with the general registrar to the attorney for the Commonwealth for the county or city in which the general registrar has jurisdiction.

C. In order to fulfill the duty to report violations pursuant to subsections A and B, the Board shall establish and implement a system for receiving, cataloging, and reviewing reports filed pursuant to the provisions of this chapter and for verifying that reports are complete and submitted on time. As part of the system referred to in this subsection, the general registrar for each county and city shall be required, in accordance with instructions provided by the Board, to receive, catalog, and review the reports filed with the general registrar and to verify that the reports are complete and submitted on time.

D. The State Board, and the general registrar in accordance with the instructions of the State Board, (i) shall assess and collect the civil penalties provided in Article 8 (§ 24.2-953 et seq.) and (ii) if unable to collect the penalty, shall report the violation to the appropriate attorney for the Commonwealth for enforcement.

E. The State Board, or the general registrar in accordance with the instructions of the State Board, shall notify, no later than 21 days after the report due date, any person submitting an incomplete report of the need for additional information. The State Board, or the general registrar in accordance with the instructions of the State Board, may request additional information to correct obvious mathematical errors and to fulfill the requirements for information on the reports.

F. Upon notice of a violation of this chapter, the State Board or the general registrar shall within 90 days of the report deadline notify the appropriate attorney for the Commonwealth, who shall initiate civil proceedings to enforce the civil penalties assessed by the State Board or the general registrar as provided herein. Any civil penalties collected pursuant to action by the State Board shall be payable to the State Treasurer for deposit to the general fund, and any civil penalties collected pursuant to action by a general registrar shall be payable to the treasurer of the locality for deposit to its general fund.

G. In the case of any political committee that is required to file a statement of organization pursuant to this chapter, the State Board shall be authorized to waive a penalty that has been assessed if the filer demonstrates that there exists good cause to waive the penalty.

H. The State Board shall notify the public through its official Internet website of any violation based on the failure to file a required report by a candidate for statewide office or the General Assembly and the identity of the violator.

I. The State Board shall determine the schedule of civil penalties required to be followed by its staff and general registrars in assessing penalties under this chapter. No election official or staff may waive or reduce such penalties, except as provided in § 24.2-946.4 .

1975, c. 515, § 24.1-262; 1979, c. 370, § 24.1-263; 1990, c. 976; 1991, c. 709; 1993, cc. 393, 641, §§ 24.2-928, 24.2-929; 1994, cc. 752 , 903 ; 1995, c. 785 ; 1996, cc. 395 , 405 ; 1998, c. 153 ; 2000, cc. 511 , 555 ; 2001, cc. 620 , 635 , 648 ; 2002, c. 468 ; 2004, cc. 457 , 480 ; 2005, cc. 9 , 371 , 676 , 745 ; 2006, cc. 787 , 892 ; 2015, cc. 644 , 645 .
Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-410.1 — Virginia Code / Title 24.2 / Chapter 4 / Article 2.1 / Section 24.2-410.1
(Effective until July 1, 2027) Citizenship status; Department of Motor Vehicles to furnish lists of noncitizens
Status: in_force

A. The Department of Motor Vehicles shall include on the application for any document, or renewal thereof, issued pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 3 (§ 46.2-300 et seq.) of Title 46.2 a statement asking the applicant if he is a United States citizen. Information on citizenship status shall not be a determinative factor for the issuance of any document pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 3 (§ 46.2-300 et seq.) of Title 46.2.

The Department of Motor Vehicles shall furnish monthly to the Department of Elections a complete list of all persons who have indicated a noncitizen status to the Department of Motor Vehicles in obtaining any document, or renewal thereof, issued pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 3 (§ 46.2-300 et seq.) of Title 46.2. The Department of Elections shall transmit the information from the list to the appropriate general registrars. Information in the lists shall be confidential and available only for official use by the Department of Elections and general registrars.

B. For the purposes of this section, the Department of Motor Vehicles is not responsible for verifying the claim of any applicant who indicates United States citizen status when applying for any document, or renewal thereof, issued pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 3 (§ 46.2-300 et seq.) of Title 46.2.

2006, cc. 926 , 940 ; 2015, c. 740 ; 2020, cc. 908 , 909 , 1227 , 1246 .
Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-950.5 — Virginia Code / Title 24.2 / Chapter 9.3 / Article 5 / Section 24.2-950.5
Repealed
Status: repealed

Repealed by Acts 2008, cc. 152 and 289 , cl. 2, effective January 1, 2009.
Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-302 — Virginia Code / Title 24.2 / Chapter 3 / Article 2 / Section 24.2-302
Repealed
Status: repealed

Repealed by Acts 2001, Sp. Sess. I, c. 7 , cl. 2, effective July 19, 2001.
Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-240 — Virginia Code / Title 24.2 / Chapter 2.1 / Article 1 / Section 24.2-240
Qualifications of electors; oath
Status: in_force

Each nominated elector selected pursuant to this article shall, at the time of his nomination and until the conclusion of the day electors cast their votes in the Electoral College, be a citizen of the United States and a legal resident of the Commonwealth, and shall subscribe to an oath, which shall be notarized, that he is, in fact, a citizen of the United States and a legal resident of the Commonwealth, and that he will, if elected, cast his ballot in the Electoral College for the candidates for President and Vice President of the United States as set forth in subsection A or B of § 24.2-241 or pursuant to § 24.2-242, as applicable, or as such political party or group of qualified voters may direct in the event of the death, withdrawal, or disqualification of a candidate of that party or group. The State Board shall also be furnished, if it requests, with satisfactory evidence that any individual undertaking to act as an elector under this chapter is, in fact, qualified and duly and properly authorized to do so.

2024, c. 801 .
Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-541 — Virginia Code / Title 24.2 / Chapter 5 / Article 5 / Section 24.2-541
Printing of names on ballot
Status: in_force

In the case (i) of a candidate who has died if the notice is filed with the proper official at least 25 days before the day on which the election is to be held or (ii) of a candidate who has withdrawn or had his nomination set aside if the notice is filed with the proper official at least 60 days before the day on which the election is to be held, the electoral board or boards having charge of the printing of the ballots for such election shall either:

1. Cause to be printed thereon the name of every person qualifying as provided in this article; or

2. If ballots for the election have already been printed, cause separate ballots to be printed for the office on which shall be printed the name of every person qualifying as provided in this article and of any other party or nonparty candidate for the same office who had already qualified to have his name printed on the ballot. In addition, the electoral board may cause to be stricken from the earlier printed ballots the title of the office involved and the names of all candidates for that office appearing thereon.

If the candidate so dying, withdrawing or having his nomination set aside is a candidate for an office to which more than one person is to be elected and none of the candidates was opposed prior to such death, withdrawal, or setting aside, then the ballots shall be so printed as to permit the electors to vote separately for the remaining unopposed candidate or candidates, and for such persons who filed notice of candidacy as provided in this article.

Whenever any additional candidate qualifies as provided in this article, no votes previously cast by absentee ballot for a candidate for such office shall be counted, but any person who has so voted shall be entitled to receive a new ballot and to vote for his choice among all the candidates for such office.

Code 1950, §§ 24-234, 24-235; 1970, c. 462, § 24.1-110; 1976, c. 616; 1980, c. 639; 1984, c. 480; 1990, c. 476; 1992, c. 828; 1993, c. 641; 2003, c. 476 .
Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-468 — Virginia Code / Title 24.2 / Chapter 4.1 / Section 24.2-468
Equitable relief
Status: in_force

A court may issue an injunction or grant other equitable relief appropriate to ensure substantial compliance with, or enforce, this chapter on application by:

1. A covered voter alleging a grievance under this chapter; or

2. An election official in this state.

2012, c. 353 .
Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-529 — Virginia Code / Title 24.2 / Chapter 5 / Article 4 / Section 24.2-529
Primary ballots
Status: in_force

The primary ballots for the several parties taking part in a primary shall be composed, arranged, printed, delivered, and provided in the same manner as the general election ballots except that at the top of each official primary ballot shall be printed in plain black type the name of the political party and the words "Primary Election." The names of the candidates for various offices shall appear on the ballot in an order determined by the priority of the time of filing for the office. In the event two or more candidates file simultaneously, the order of filing shall then be determined by lot by the electoral board or the State Board as in the case of a tie vote for the office. No write-in shall be permitted on ballots in primary elections.

Code 1950, § 24-376; 1970, c. 462, § 24.1-188; 1971, Ex. Sess., c. 119; 1993, c. 641.
Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-309.2 — Virginia Code / Title 24.2 / Chapter 3 / Article 3 / Section 24.2-309.2
Election precincts; prohibiting precinct changes for specified period of time
Status: in_force

No county, city, or town shall create, divide, abolish, or consolidate any precincts, or otherwise change the boundaries of any precinct, effective during the period from February 1, 2026, to June 19, 2026, except as (i) provided by law upon a change in the boundaries of the county, city, or town, (ii) the result of a court order, (iii) the result of a change in the form of government, or (iv) the result of an increase or decrease in the number of local election districts other than at-large districts. Any ordinance required to comply with the requirements of § 24.2-307 shall be adopted on or before February 1, 2026.

If a change in the boundaries of a precinct is required pursuant to clause (i), (ii), (iii), or (iv), the county, city, or town shall comply with the applicable requirements of law, including §§ 24.2-304.3 and 30-395 , and send copies of the ordered or enacted changes to the State Board of Elections and the Division of Legislative Services.

This section shall not prohibit any county, city, or town from adopting an ordinance revising precinct boundaries after January 1, 2026. However, no revisions in precinct boundaries shall be implemented in the conduct of elections prior to June 19, 2026.

2008, c. 112 ; 2018, cc. 778 , 779 ; 2020, Sp. Sess. I, c. 56 ; 2022, Sp. Sess. I, c. 1 ; 2026, c. 7 .
Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-1018 — Virginia Code / Title 24.2 / Chapter 10 / Section 24.2-1018
Immunity of witnesses
Status: in_force

No witness called by the court or attorney for the Commonwealth and giving evidence for the prosecution, either before a grand jury or the court in any prosecution under this title, shall ever be proceeded against for any offense made penal by the provisions of this title and committed by him at or in connection with the events germane to the matter being prosecuted; but such witness shall be compelled to testify, and for refusing to answer questions, he may be punished for contempt by the court.

Code 1950, § 24-449; 1954, c. 347; 1970, c. 462, § 24.1-281; 1993, c. 641.
Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-802.1 — Virginia Code / Title 24.2 / Chapter 8 / Article 1 / Section 24.2-802.1
Preliminary hearing; court to fix procedure for recount, appoint officers, and supervise the recount
Status: in_force

A. Within seven calendar days of the filing of the petition for a recount of any election other than an election for presidential electors, or within five calendar days of the filing of a petition for a recount of an election for presidential electors, the chief judge of the circuit court shall call a preliminary hearing at which (i) motions may be disposed of and (ii) the rules of procedure may be fixed, both subject to review by the full court. The petitioner and his counsel and each other party and their counsel under supervision of the electoral board and its agents shall have access to pollbooks and other materials used in the election for examination purposes, provided that individual ballots cast in the election shall not be examined at the preliminary hearing. The chief judge during the preliminary hearing shall review all security measures taken for all ballots and voting systems and direct, as he deems necessary, all appropriate measures to ensure proper security to conduct the recount.

The chief judge, subject to review by the full court, may set the place for the recount and may order the delivery of election materials to a central location and the transportation of voting systems to a central location in each county or city under appropriate safeguards. These safeguards shall include prohibiting any person from (a) knowingly carrying on or about his person any firearm as defined in § 18.2-308.2:2 and (b) knowingly doing so within 100 feet of any building or part thereof used as the place for the recount, unless such person is (1) any law-enforcement officer or any retired law-enforcement officer qualified pursuant to subsection C of § 18.2-308.01 6; (2) occupying his own private property that falls within 100 feet of a polling place; or (3) an armed security officer, licensed pursuant to Article 4 (§ 9.1-138 et seq.) of Chapter 1 of Title 9.1, whose employment or performance of his duties occurs within 100 feet of any building, or part thereof, used as a place for the recount.

B. After the full court is appointed under § 24.2-801 or 24.2-801.1 , it shall call a hearing at which all motions shall be disposed of and the rules of procedure shall be fixed finally, and it shall issue a written order setting out such rules of procedure. The court shall call for the advice and cooperation of the Department, the State Board, or any local electoral board, as appropriate, and such boards or agency shall have the duty and authority to assist the court. The court shall fix any additional procedures, that are not provided for in this chapter, that shall provide for the accurate counting of votes in the election. The recount procedures to be followed throughout the election district shall be as uniform as practicable, taking into account the types of ballots and voting systems in use in the election district.

C. The court shall permit each candidate, or petitioner and governing body or chief executive officer, to select an equal number of the officers of election to be recount officials and to count printed ballots. The number shall be fixed by the court and be sufficient to conduct the recount within a reasonable period. The court may permit each party to the recount to submit a list of alternate officials in the number the court directs. There shall be at least one team from each locality using ballot scanner machines to insert the ballots into one or more scanners. Each team shall be composed of one representative of each party.

The court may provide that if, at the time of the recount, any recount official fails to appear, the remaining recount officials present shall appoint substitute recount officials who shall possess the same qualifications as the recount officials for whom they substitute. The court may select pairs of recount coordinators to serve for each county or city in the election district who shall be members of the county or city electoral board and represent different political parties. The court shall have authority to summon such officials and coordinators. On the request of any party to the recount, the court shall allow that party to appoint one representative observer for each team of recount officials. The representative observers shall have an unobstructed view of the work of the recount officials. The expenses of its representatives shall be borne by each party.

D. The court (i) shall supervise the recount and (ii) may require delivery of any or all pollbooks used and any or all ballots cast at the election, or may assume supervision thereof through the recount coordinators and officials.

2020, c. 886 ; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 459 ; 2026, c. 1078 .
Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-242 — Virginia Code / Title 24.2 / Chapter 2.1 / Article 1 / Section 24.2-242
How other groups may submit names of electors; oaths of electors
Status: in_force

A. A group of qualified voters, not constituting a political party as defined in § 24.2-101 , may have the names of nominated electors selected by them, which shall include one elector residing in each congressional district and two from the Commonwealth at large, printed upon the official ballot to be used in the election of electors for President and Vice President by filing a petition pursuant to this section.

B. The petition shall have printed on the front of each page the names of the individuals nominated to be electors by the petitioners, the party name under which they desire to be nominated electors to be listed on the ballot, and the names of the candidates for President and Vice President for whom the nominated electors are required to vote in the Electoral College.

The petition shall be signed by at least 5,000 qualified voters and include signatures of at least 200 qualified voters from each congressional district. The petition shall be signed by petitioners on and after January 1 of the year of the presidential election and contain the residence address of each petitioner. The signature of each petitioner shall be witnessed either by an individual who is a constitutionally qualified candidate for President, who may witness his own petition, or by an individual who is not a minor or a felon whose voting rights have not been restored and whose affidavit to that effect appears on each page of the petition. Each individual circulating a petition who is not a legal resident of the Commonwealth shall sign a statement on the affidavit that he consents to the jurisdiction of the courts of Virginia in resolving any disputes concerning the circulation of petitions, or signatures contained therein, by that individual. The signatures of qualified voters collected by a nonresident petition circulator who fails to sign such statement, or who later fails to appear or produce documents when properly served with a subpoena to do so, shall not be counted toward the minimum number of signatures required pursuant to this subsection.

C. The petition shall be filed with the State Board by noon of the seventy-fourth day before the presidential election. The individuals filing the petition shall file with a copy of a subscribed and notarized oath by each nominated elector pursuant to § 24.2-240. In order to utilize a selected party name on the ballot, the petitioners shall have had, for at least six months prior to filing the petition, a state central committee composed of registered voters from each congressional district of the Commonwealth, a party plan and bylaws, and a duly designated chairman and secretary in existence and holding office. The State Board may require proof that the petitioners meet these requirements before permitting use of a party name on the ballot. The party name shall not be identical or substantially similar to the name of any political party qualifying under § 24.2-101 and then in existence.

D. In the event that a group of qualified voters meets the requirements set forth in this section except that they cannot utilize a party name, the nominated electors and the candidates for President and Vice President shall be identified and designated as "Independent" on the ballot. Substitution of a different candidate for Vice President may be made by the candidate for President before the State Board certifies to the county and city electoral boards the form of the official ballot.

E. In the event of the death, withdrawal, or disqualification of a candidate for President or Vice President qualified to appear on the ballot pursuant to this section, the petitioner may substitute the name of a different candidate before the State Board certifies to the county and city electoral boards the form of the official ballots.

In the event of the death, withdrawal, or disqualification of any individual listed as a nominated elector for candidates for President and Vice President on a petition filed pursuant to this section, the petitioners or candidate for President, as applicable, may substitute the name of a different nominated elector. Such substitution shall not invalidate any petition of qualified voters circulated with the name of the deceased, withdrawn, or disqualified nominated elector provided that notice of the substitution is filed with the State Board by noon of the seventy-fourth day before the presidential election.

Notice of the substitution and the name of any substitute candidate or nominated elector shall be submitted on a form prepared by the State Board.

F. If the State Board determines that a candidate for President does not qualify to have his name appear on the ballot pursuant to this section by reason of the group of qualified voters' filed petition not containing the minimum number of signatures of qualified voters for the office sought, the candidate may appeal the determination to the State Board within seven calendar days of the issuance of the notice of disqualification. The notice of disqualification shall be sent by email or regular mail to the address on file for the candidate, and such notice shall be deemed sufficient. The State Board shall hear the appeal within three business days of the filing of the appeal.

The State Board shall develop procedures for the conduct of such an appeal. The consideration on appeal shall be limited to whether the signatures on the petitions that were filed were reasonably rejected according to the requirements of this title and the rules and procedures adopted by the State Board for checking petitions. Immediately after the conclusion of the appeal hearing, the State Board shall notify the candidate of its decision in writing. The decision on appeal shall be final and not subject to further appeal.

2024, c. 801 .
Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-305 — Virginia Code / Title 24.2 / Chapter 3 / Article 3 / Section 24.2-305
Composition of election districts and precincts
Status: in_force

A. Each election district and precinct shall be composed of compact and contiguous territory and shall have clearly defined and clearly observable boundaries.

B. A "clearly observable boundary" shall include (i) any named road or street, (ii) any road or highway which is a part of the federal, primary, or secondary state highway system, (iii) any river, stream, or drainage feature shown as a polygon boundary on the TIGER/line files of the United States Bureau of the Census, or (iv) any other natural or constructed or erected permanent physical feature which is shown on an official map issued by the Virginia Department of Transportation, on a United States Geological Survey topographical map, or as a polygon boundary on the TIGER/line files of the United States Bureau of the Census. No property line or subdivision boundary shall be deemed to be a clearly observable boundary unless it is marked by a permanent physical feature that is shown on an official map issued by the Virginia Department of Transportation, on a United States Geological Survey topographical map, or as a polygon boundary on the TIGER/line files of the United States Bureau of the Census.

1986, c. 593, § 24.1-40.7; 1990, c. 500; 1992, c. 425; 1993, c. 641; 2001, c. 614 .
Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-223 — Virginia Code / Title 24.2 / Chapter 2 / Article 5 / Section 24.2-223
Election and term of school board members
Status: in_force

In any county, city or town wherein members of the school board are elected, pursuant to Article 7 (§ 22.1-57.1 et seq.) of Chapter 5 of Title 22.1, elections shall be held to coincide with the election of members of the governing body at the regular general election in November or the regular general election in May, as the case may be. Elected school board members shall serve terms that are the same as those of the governing body, to commence on January 1 following their election or July 1 following their election, as the case may be.

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, general or special, in a locality that imposes district-based or ward-based residency requirements for members of the school board, the member elected from each district or ward shall be elected by the qualified voters of that district or ward and not by the locality at large.

1993, c. 641; 2000, c. 1045 ; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 225 .
Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-703.2 — Virginia Code / Title 24.2 / Chapter 7 / Section 24.2-703.2
Replacement absentee ballots for certain disabled or ill voters; penalty
Status: in_force

A person with a disability or illness who has applied for and has been sent an absentee ballot who did not receive or has lost the absentee ballot on or before the Saturday before the election may obtain a replacement absentee ballot. In such case, the voter may request a replacement absentee ballot by the close of business for the local elections office on the Saturday before election day and designate, in writing, a representative to obtain a replacement absentee ballot on his behalf from the general registrar and to return the properly completed ballot as directed by the general registrar no later than the close of polls on the day of election for which the absentee ballot is valid. The representative shall be age 18 or older and shall not be an elected official, a candidate for elected office, or the deputy, spouse, parent, or child of an elected official or candidate. The voter and representative shall complete the form prescribed by the State Board to implement the provisions of this section. The form shall include a statement signed by the voter that he did not receive the ballot or has lost the ballot. Statements on the form shall be subject to felony penalties for making false statements pursuant to § 24.2-1016 .

2002, cc. 23 , 141 ; 2008, c. 880 ; 2015, cc. 644 , 645 ; 2019, cc. 668 , 669 ; 2020, cc. 1149 , 1151 , 1201 .
Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-648 — Virginia Code / Title 24.2 / Chapter 6 / Article 4 / Section 24.2-648
Write-in votes on voting equipment
Status: in_force

Write-in votes may be cast on voting equipment for any person whose name does not appear on the ballot as a candidate for the office being voted, subject to this section and the provisions of § 24.2-644 not in conflict with this section.

Each write-in vote shall be entered in the receptacle or area designated on the machine for the office being elected. A write-in vote shall be cast in its appropriate place, in accordance with the instructions for that equipment, or it shall be void and not counted.

Except on machines that provide a means to enter a name electronically, each write-in vote shall be entered by the voter in his own handwriting or hand printing.

Code 1950, § 24-307; 1962, c. 260; 1970, c. 462, § 24.1-217; 1975, c. 515; 1985, c. 458; 1990, c. 214; 1993, c. 641; 1996, c. 5 ; 2014, cc. 540 , 576 .
Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-658 — Virginia Code / Title 24.2 / Chapter 6 / Article 4 / Section 24.2-658
Machines with printed return sheets; disposition of sheets
Status: in_force

If machines that print returns are used, the printed inspection sheet and two copies of the printed return sheet containing the results of the election for each machine shall be inserted in the envelope containing the statement of results by the officers of election and sealed and returned as required by § 24.2-668 .

The printed inspection sheets and one copy of the printed return sheets shall be kept with the statement of results and preserved as provided in § 24.2-669 .

One copy of the printed return sheets shall be made available by the clerk of the circuit court on the day following the election and for 60 additional days for inspection and transcribing information therefrom by the public.

1981, c. 425, § 24.1-222.1; 1985, c. 458; 1993, c. 641; 2014, cc. 540 , 576 .
Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-535 — Virginia Code / Title 24.2 / Chapter 5 / Article 4 / Section 24.2-535
Vote required to nominate
Status: in_force

Any candidate for party nomination to any office who receives a plurality of the votes cast by his party shall be the nominee of his party for that office and his name shall be printed on the official ballots used in the election for which the primary was held.

Code 1950, § 24-359; 1952, c. 4; 1964, c. 616; 1970, c. 462, § 24.1-179; 1993, c. 641.
Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-120 — Virginia Code / Title 24.2 / Chapter 1 / Article 6 / Section 24.2-120
Oath of office
Status: in_force

The oath of office for the members of the electoral board, registrars, and officers of election shall be the oath stated in Article II, § 7, of the Constitution. Each member of the electoral board, registrar, and officer of election shall take and sign the oath before performing the duties of his office.

Each member of an electoral board and general registrar shall file the original signed oath in the clerk's office of the circuit court of his county or city. The general registrar shall file a copy with the secretary of his electoral board.

The oath of office for deputy and substitute registrars, officers of election, and voting equipment custodians may be administered by a general registrar or a notary as well as by persons authorized to administer oaths under § 49-3 .

The oath of office for officers of election may be administered by a member of the electoral board, the general registrar, a deputy or substitute registrar, as well as by notaries and persons authorized to administer oaths under § 49-3 .

Code 1950, §§ 24-29, 24-30, 24-32, 24-33, 24-42, 24-52, 24-52.1, 24-55, 24-61, 24-65, 24-66, 24-118.1, 24-199; 1954, c. 691; 1962, c. 475; 1964, c. 608; 1968, cc. 97, 141; 1970, c. 462, §§ 24.1-29, 24.1-32, 24.1-43; 1971, Ex. Sess., c. 204; 1973, c. 30; 1974, c. 428; 1975, c. 515; 1976, c. 12; 1978, c. 778; 1980, c. 639; 1981, c. 425; 1982, cc. 290, 650; 1983, c. 511; 1984, c. 480; 1985, c. 197; 1986, c. 558; 1988, c. 528; 1989, c. 227; 1993, c. 641; 2005, c. 820 ; 2012, cc. 328 , 486 ; 2022, c. 140 .
Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-224 — Virginia Code / Title 24.2 / Chapter 2 / Article 5 / Section 24.2-224
Local elections not otherwise provided for
Status: in_force

The election to any public office required to be filled by the qualified voters of any county, city, town, or election district for which an election time is not provided by law shall be held at the general election immediately preceding the time provided for the term of such office to commence.

Code 1950, § 24-143; 1970, c. 462, § 24.1-74; 1993, c. 641.
Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-100 — Virginia Code / Title 24.2 / Chapter 1 / Article 1 / Section 24.2-100
Applicability of title
Status: in_force

The provisions of this title shall apply to all elections held in this Commonwealth except as is otherwise provided by general law.

Code 1950, § 24-176; 1970, c. 462, § 24.1-95; 1980, c. 639; 1993, c. 641.
Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-808 — Virginia Code / Title 24.2 / Chapter 8 / Article 2 / Section 24.2-808
Time of filing and service of complaint; enlargement or amendment of complaint
Status: in_force

The contestant shall file his complaint in the clerk's office of the circuit court within 30 days following the date of the election in the case of a general election, and within 10 days following the date of the election in case of a primary election or special election held on a date other than that of a general election. A copy of the complaint shall be served by the contestant as provided under § 8.01-296 on each contestee; otherwise the complaint shall not be valid. For a contest conducted pursuant to § 24.2-806 , the copy of the complaint shall be served by the contestant on each contestee within 30 days following the date of the election in the case of a general election and within 10 days following the date of the election in the case of a primary or special election held on a date other than that of a general election.

No enlargement or amendment of the complaint, except as to form, shall be permitted save by leave of court as provided in Rule 1:8 of the Rules of Supreme Court of Virginia.

Code 1950, § 24-434; 1952, c. 489; 1970, c. 462, § 24.1-241; 1981, c. 570; 1993, c. 641; 2016, cc. 14 , 490 .
Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-953.3 — Virginia Code / Title 24.2 / Chapter 9.3 / Article 8 / Section 24.2-953.3
Incomplete reports
Status: in_force

A. In the case of a violation of this chapter that relates to the filing of an incomplete report, the violator shall be subject to a civil penalty not to exceed $500 unless a greater penalty is imposed pursuant to this section. However the civil penalty shall in no case exceed $500 unless the total of the filer's reportable contributions or the total of the filer's reportable expenditures is $10,000 or more.

B. Prior to assessing a penalty pursuant to this section for the filing of an incomplete report, the Commissioner of Elections or the general registrar shall notify, by certified mail, the candidate and treasurer, or person or political committee required to file a report with that board, that a filed report has not been completed, citing the omissions from the report. No penalty shall be assessed if the information required to complete the report is filed within 10 days of the date of mailing the written notice.

C. If the information required to complete the report is not filed within the 10-day period, the Commissioner of Elections or the general registrar shall then assess against the candidate and treasurer, who shall be jointly and severally liable, or person or political committee required to file a report, a civil penalty not to exceed $500. The Commissioner of Elections or the general registrar shall consider the following factors in determining the civil penalty assessed: the number of omissions, the amount of money involved, and the proportion of contributions or expenditures containing omissions.

D. The Commissioner of Elections or the general registrar may grant an additional period for compliance, not to exceed two weeks, to permit the completion of a filed report for good cause shown and in response to a request filed within the 10-day period. However, no additional period shall be granted thereafter for compliance.

E. The civil penalty assessed for filing an incomplete report shall be increased by $500 every 60 days following the date for compliance established pursuant to this section and until compliance is complete. If the failure to comply continues for more than 120 days following the date for compliances established pursuant to this section, there shall be a rebuttable presumption that the violation was willful, and the matter shall be forwarded to the appropriate attorney for the Commonwealth.

F. The civil penalty assessed for filing any subsequent incomplete report (i) that is filed more than 20 days after notice has been given of a violation or (ii) that is filed during the 60 days prior to the elections for which the person is a candidate shall be $1,000.

G. The State Board shall notify the public through its official Internet website of a failure to file a complete report by a candidate for statewide office or the General Assembly and the identity of the violator following the date for compliance established pursuant to this section.

2006, cc. 787 , 892 ; 2013, c. 542 ; 2015, cc. 644 , 645 .
Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-958.2 — Virginia Code / Title 24.2 / Chapter 9.5 / Article 4 / Section 24.2-958.2
Requirements for radio advertisements sponsored by a political committee
Status: in_force

It shall be unlawful for a political committee to sponsor an advertisement that constitutes an expenditure or contribution required to be disclosed under Chapter 9.3 (§ 24.2-945 et seq.) unless the following requirements are satisfied:

1. A radio advertisement supporting or opposing the nomination or election of one or more clearly identified candidates (i) shall include a disclosure statement, spoken by the chief executive officer or treasurer of the committee, containing at least the following words: "This ad was paid for (or 'sponsored by' or 'furnished by') [Name of political action committee]." (ii) The disclosure statement shall last at least two seconds and the statement shall be spoken so that its contents may be easily understood. (iii) The placement of the oral disclosure statement shall also comply with the requirements of the Communications Act of 1934, 47 U.S.C. §§ 315 and 317.

2. In its oral disclosure statement, a political committee may choose to identify an advertisement as either supporting or opposing the nomination or election of one or more clearly identified candidates.

3. If the advertisement is jointly sponsored, the disclosure statement shall name all of the sponsors and the disclosing individual shall be one of those sponsors.

2002, c. 487 , § 24.2-944; 2004, cc. 55 , 457 ; 2005, c. 369 ; 2006, cc. 787 , 892 .
Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-612 — Virginia Code / Title 24.2 / Chapter 6 / Article 2 / Section 24.2-612
List of offices and candidates filed with Department of Elections and checked for accuracy; when ballots printed; number required
Status: in_force

Immediately after the expiration of the time provided by law for a candidate for any office to qualify to have his name printed on the official ballot and prior to printing the ballots for an election, each general registrar shall forward to the Department of Elections a list of the county, city, or town offices to be filled at the election and the names of all candidates who have filed for each office. In addition, each general registrar shall forward the name of any candidate who failed to qualify with the reason for his disqualification. On that same day, the general registrar shall also provide a copy of the notice to each disqualified candidate. The notice shall be sent by email or regular mail to the address on the candidate's certificate of candidate qualification, and such notice shall be deemed sufficient. The Department of Elections shall promptly advise the general registrar of the accuracy of the list. The failure of any general registrar to send the list to the Department of Elections for verification shall not invalidate any election.

Each general registrar shall have printed the number of ballots he determines will be sufficient to conduct the election. Such determination shall be based on the number of active registered voters and historical election data, including voter turnout, and shall be subject to the approval by the electoral board.

Notwithstanding any other provisions of this title, the Department of Elections may print or otherwise provide one statewide paper ballot style for each paper ballot style in use for presidential and vice-presidential electors for use only by persons eligible to vote for those offices only under § 24.2-402 or only for federal elections under § 24.2-453 . The Department of Elections may apportion or authorize the printer or vendor to apportion the costs for these ballots among the localities based on the number of ballots ordered. Any printer employed by the Department of Elections shall execute the statement required by § 24.2-616 . The Department of Elections shall designate a representative to be present at the printing of such ballots and deliver them to the appropriate general registrars pursuant to § 24.2-617 . Upon receipt of such paper ballots, the electoral board or the general registrar shall affix the seal of the electoral board. Thereafter, such ballots shall be handled and accounted for, and the votes counted as the Department of Elections shall specifically direct.

The general registrar shall make printed ballots available for absentee voting not later than 45 days prior to any election or within three business days of the receipt of a properly completed absentee ballot application, whichever is later. In the case of a special election, excluding for federal offices, if time is insufficient to meet the applicable deadline established herein, then the general registrar shall make printed ballots available as soon after the deadline as possible. For the purposes of this chapter, making printed ballots available includes mailing of such ballots or electronic transmission of such ballots pursuant to § 24.2-706 to a covered voter, as defined in § 24.2-452 , who has applied for an absentee ballot pursuant to § 24.2-701 . Not later than five days after absentee ballots are made available, each general registrar shall report to the Department of Elections, in writing on a form approved by the Department of Elections, whether he has complied with the applicable deadline.

Only the names of candidates for offices to be voted on in a particular election district shall be printed on the ballots for that election district.

The general registrar shall send to the Department of Elections a statement of the number of ballots ordered to be printed, proofs of each printed ballot for verification, and copies of each final ballot. If the Department of Elections finds that, in its opinion, the number of ballots ordered to be printed by any general registrar is not sufficient, it may direct the general registrar to order the printing of a reasonable number of additional ballots.

Code 1950, §§ 24-213, 24-214; 1952, c. 4; 1954, c. 513; 1956, c. 395; 1970, c. 462, § 24.1-109; 1972, c. 620; 1980, c. 639; 1981, c. 425; 1984, c. 480; 1993, c. 641; 2003, c. 1015 ; 2009, c. 522 ; 2010, cc. 449 , 645 ; 2011, cc. 427 , 458 ; 2012, c. 353 ; 2013, c. 684 ; 2014, cc. 540 , 576 ; 2015, c. 313 ; 2016, cc. 18 , 492 ; 2017, cc. 167 , 356 ; 2019, cc. 668 , 669 ; 2020, cc. 1149 , 1151 , 1201 .
Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-304.03 — Virginia Code / Title 24.2 / Chapter 3 / Article 2 / Section 24.2-304.03
Repealed
Status: repealed

Repealed by Acts 2023, c. 455 , cl. 2.
Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-710 — Virginia Code / Title 24.2 / Chapter 7 / Section 24.2-710
Absentee voter applicant lists
Status: in_force

A. The provisions of this subsection shall apply only to those localities not using an electronic pollbook. On the day before the election, the general registrar shall (i) make out in triplicate on a form prescribed by the State Board the absentee voter applicant list containing the names of all persons who applied for an absentee ballot through the third day before the election and (ii) by noon on the day before the election, deliver two copies of the list to the electoral board. The general registrar shall make out a supplementary list containing the names of all persons voting absentee in person or applying to vote absentee pursuant to § 24.2-705 for delivery by 5:00 p.m. on the day before the election. The supplementary list shall be deemed part of the absentee voter applicant list and shall be prepared and delivered in accordance with the instructions of the State Board. The general registrar shall maintain one copy of the list in his office for two years as a public record open for inspection upon request during regular office hours.

B. On the day before the election, the electoral board shall deliver one copy of the list provided to it by the general registrar to the chief officer of election for each precinct. The list shall be attested by the secretary of the electoral board who shall be responsible for the delivery of the attested lists to the chief officer of election for each precinct.

Absentee ballots shall be accepted only from voters whose names appear on the attested list.

C. Upon request, the State Board shall provide an electronic copy of the absentee voter applicant list to any political party or candidate. Such lists shall be used only for campaign and political purposes. In no event shall any list furnished under this section contain (a) any voter's social security number or any part thereof, (b) any voter's day and month of birth, or (c) the residence address of any voter who has provided a post office box address to be used on public lists pursuant to § 24.2-418 .

Code 1950, §§ 24-327, 24-330, 24-332, 24-333, 24-338, 24-338.1, 24-339, 24-340, 24-341, 24-342, 24-345.6, 24-345.7, 24-345.8; 1952, c. 509; 1954, cc. 511, 523, 539; 1956, c. 525; 1958, c. 351; 1962, c. 536; 1964, c. 557; 1970, c. 462, §§ 24.1-229, 24.1-231, 24.1-234; 1971, Ex. Sess., cc. 119, 247, 265; 1972, cc. 620, 621; 1974, c. 428, § 24.1-233.1; 1975, c. 515; 1977, c. 490; 1978, c. 778; 1980, c. 639; 1981, c. 425; 1983, c. 461; 1988, cc. 624, 691; 1991, c. 3; 1993, c. 641; 1997, c. 464 ; 2001, cc. 622 , 799 ; 2006, c. 297 ; 2010, cc. 601 , 812 ; 2017, c. 275 ; 2020, cc. 735 , 1157 ; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 471 , 522 .
Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-303.1 — Virginia Code / Title 24.2 / Chapter 3 / Article 2 / Section 24.2-303.1
Repealed
Status: repealed

Repealed by Acts 2011, Sp. Sess. I, c. 1 , cl. 2, effective April 29, 2011.
Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-1010 — Virginia Code / Title 24.2 / Chapter 10 / Section 24.2-1010
Unauthorized possession or duplication of voting equipment key or electronic activation device
Status: in_force

Any unauthorized person found in possession of any voting equipment key or electronic activation device of the type used to prepare or operate voting equipment or any unauthorized person who duplicates a voting equipment key or electronic activation device shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

Code 1950, § 24-318; 1970, c. 462, § 24.1-275; 1991, c. 710; 1993, c. 641; 2004, cc. 993 , 1010 .
Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-646.1 — Virginia Code / Title 24.2 / Chapter 6 / Article 4 / Section 24.2-646.1
Permitted use of paper ballots
Status: in_force

The official paper ballot shall be used by a voter to cast his vote only in one of the following circumstances:

1. The official paper ballot is the only ballot in use in the precinct.

2. The official paper ballot is used by voters voting outside of the polling place pursuant to § 24.2-649.1 .

3. The voter is casting a provisional ballot.

4. The voter is provided an official paper ballot or copy thereof pursuant to § 24.2-642 when voting equipment is inoperable or otherwise unavailable.

5. The official absentee paper ballot voted in accordance with (§ 24.2-700 et seq.).

6. The voter is provided an official paper ballot for a presidential election pursuant to § 24.2-402 or for federal elections pursuant to § 24.2-453 .

2006, c. 492 ; 2015, c. 313 ; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 163 .
Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-621 — Virginia Code / Title 24.2 / Chapter 6 / Article 2 / Section 24.2-621
Delivery of packages to officers; opening packages
Status: in_force

Before every election the secretary of the electoral board, or another board member, board employee, or the general or a deputy registrar designated by the board, shall deliver to an officer of election of each precinct the official ballots for that precinct and obtain a receipt for the package or packages and a certificate that the seals are unbroken. If the secretary or other such designated person is unable to deliver the official ballots, another member of the board shall deliver the ballots.

Before opening the polls, the officers of election shall open the sealed package and carefully count the ballots. If there is more than one package, additional packages shall be opened as needed and the ballots counted as provided in this section.

Code 1950, §§ 24-230, 24-231; 1970, c. 462, §§ 24.1-120, 24.1-121; 1993, c. 641; 1997, c. 460 ; 2022, c. 140 .
Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-416.7 — Virginia Code / Title 24.2 / Chapter 4 / Article 3.2 / Section 24.2-416.7
Application for voter registration by electronic means
Status: in_force

A. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a person who is qualified to register to vote may apply to register to vote by electronic means as authorized by the State Board by completing an electronic registration application.

B. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a registered voter may satisfy the requirements of §§ 24.2-423 and 24.2-424 to notify the general registrar of a change of legal name or place of residence within the Commonwealth by electronic means as authorized by the State Board by completing an electronic registration application.

C. An electronic registration application completed pursuant to this article shall require that an applicant:

1. Provide the information as required under § 24.2-418 ;

2. Have a Virginia driver's license or other document issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles under Chapter 3 (§ 46.2-300 et seq.) of Title 46.2;

3. Provide a social security number and Department of Motor Vehicles customer identifier number that matches the applicant's record in the Department of Motor Vehicles records;

4. Attest to the truth of the information provided;

5. Sign the application in a manner consistent with the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (§ 59.1-479 et seq.); and

6. Affirmatively authorize the Department of Elections and general registrar to use the applicant's signature obtained by the Department of Motor Vehicles for voter registration purposes.

D. In order for an individual to complete a transaction under this article, the general registrar shall verify that the Department of Motor Vehicles customer identifier number, date of birth, and social security number provided by the applicant match the information contained in the Department of Motor Vehicles records.

E. The Department of Motor Vehicles shall provide to the Department of Elections a digital copy of the applicant's signature on record with the Department of Motor Vehicles.

F. The Department of Elections shall transmit to the general registrar an applicant's completed voter registration application and digital signature not later than five business days after the date of receipt.

G. Each transaction taking place under this section shall be accompanied by the following statement featured prominently in boldface capital letters: "WARNING: INTENTIONALLY MAKING A MATERIALLY FALSE STATEMENT DURING THIS TRANSACTION CONSTITUTES THE CRIME OF ELECTION FRAUD, WHICH IS PUNISHABLE UNDER VIRGINIA LAW AS A FELONY. VIOLATORS MAY BE SENTENCED TO UP TO 10 YEARS IN PRISON, OR UP TO 12 MONTHS IN JAIL AND/OR FINED UP TO $2,500."

H. The Department of Elections may use additional security measures approved by the State Board to ensure the accuracy and integrity of registration transactions performed under this article.

2013, c. 520 ; 2015, c. 740 ; 2020, cc. 1227 , 1246 .
Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-526 — Virginia Code / Title 24.2 / Chapter 5 / Article 4 / Section 24.2-526
Primary not to be held when less than two candidates declare
Status: in_force

Whenever within the time prescribed by this article there is only one declaration of candidacy in a political party for the nomination for any office, the person filing the declaration shall be declared the nominee of the party for the office for which he has announced his candidacy and his name shall not be printed on the ballot for the primary. Whenever within the time prescribed by this article there is no declaration of candidacy in a political party for the nomination for any office, the appropriate committee of the party may provide for an alternative method of nominating a candidate.

Code 1950, § 24-350; 1970, c. 462, § 24.1-175; 1983, c. 483; 1993, c. 641.
Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-444 — Virginia Code / Title 24.2 / Chapter 4 / Article 8 / Section 24.2-444
(Effective until July 1, 2027) Duties of general registrars and Department of Elections as to voter registration records; public inspection; exceptions
Status: in_force

A. Registration records shall be kept and preserved by the general registrar in compliance with §§ 2.2-3803 , 2.2-3808 , and 24.2-114 . The Department shall provide to each general registrar, for each precinct in his county or city, lists of registered voters for inspection. The lists shall contain the name, address, year of birth, gender and all election districts applicable to each registered voter. The lists shall be opened to public inspection at the office of the general registrar when the office is open for business. New lists shall be provided not less than once each year to all localities except those in which an updated list is made available electronically for public inspection, and supplements containing additions, deletions, and changes shall be provided not less than (i) weekly during the 60 days preceding any general election and (ii) monthly at other times. Notwithstanding any other provision of law regarding the retention of records, upon receipt of any new complete list, the general registrar shall destroy the obsolete list and its supplements. The Department shall provide to each general registrar lists of persons denied registration for public inspection. Such lists may be provided electronically through the Virginia voter registration system and produced in whole or in part upon a request for public inspection.

B. The general registrars shall maintain for at least two years and shall make available for public inspection and copying and, where available, photocopying at a reasonable cost, all records concerning the implementation of programs and activities conducted for the purpose of ensuring the accuracy and currency of the registration records pursuant to §§ 24.2-427 , 24.2-428 and 24.2-428.1 , including lists of the names and addresses of all persons to whom notices are sent, and information concerning whether each person has responded to the notice as of the date that inspection of the records is made.

C. No list provided by the Department under subsection A nor any record made available for public inspection under subsection B shall contain any of the following information: (i) an individual's social security number, or any part thereof; (ii) the residence address of an individual who has furnished a post office box address in lieu of his residence address as authorized by subsection B of § 24.2-418 ; (iii) the declination by an individual to register to vote and related records; (iv) the identity of a voter registration agency through which a particular voter is registered; or (v) the day and month of birth of an individual. No voter registration records other than the lists provided by the Department under subsection A and the records made available under subsection B shall be open to public inspection.

Code 1950, § 24-113; 1970, c. 462, § 24.1-56; 1993, c. 641; 1994, c. 656 ; 1996, cc. 72 , 73 ; 2001, cc. 612 , 626 ; 2003, c. 1015 ; 2007, cc. 311 , 318 ; 2008, c. 379 ; 2009, c. 318 ; 2012, c. 353 ; 2015, c. 740 .
Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-947.7 — Virginia Code / Title 24.2 / Chapter 9.3 / Article 3 / Section 24.2-947.7
Filing schedule for candidates for office; May elections
Status: in_force

A. Any candidate for election to a local office to be filled at a May general election shall file the prescribed campaign finance reports as follows:

1. Not later than July 15 in a nonelection year for the period January 1 through June 30;

2. Not later than January 15 following a nonelection year for the period July 1 through December 31;

3. For municipal primary candidates only, not later than the eighth day before the primary date complete through the twelfth day before the primary;

4. Not later than April 15 of the election year complete through March 31;

5. Not later than the eighth day before the election date complete through the twelfth day before the election date;

6. Not later than June 15 of the election year complete through June 10;

7. Not later than July 15 of the election year complete through June 30; and

8. Not later than the following January 15 complete through December 31, and then in accordance with subdivisions A 1 and A 2 or subdivisions A 3 through A 7, as appropriate, of this subsection until a final report is filed.

B. Any candidate, who was subject to the election year filing schedule set out in subdivisions A 3 through A 8 and who has not filed a final report, shall file reports in any subsequent election year for the same office in accordance with the election year filing schedule set out in subdivisions A 3 through A 8.

C. Any candidate shall also file any report of certain large contributions required by § 24.2-947.9 , if applicable.

1986, c. 558, § 24.1-257.2; 1988, c. 734; 1991, c. 709; 1993, c. 641, § 24.2-917; 1995, c. 785 ; 2004, c. 26 ; 2006, cc. 787 , 892 ; 2008, c. 650 ; 2010, c. 696 ; 2015, c. 646 .
Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-651.1 — Virginia Code / Title 24.2 / Chapter 6 / Article 4 / Section 24.2-651.1
Voter who is shown as having already voted; provisional ballots
Status: in_force

Any person who offers to vote, who is listed on the pollbook, and whose name is marked to indicate that he has already voted in person in the election shall cast a provisional ballot pursuant to § 24.2-653 . The State Board of Elections shall provide instructions to the electoral boards for the handling and counting of such provisional ballots.

1997, c. 915 ; 2000, cc. 366 , 451 ; 2003, c. 1015 ; 2012, cc. 723 , 838 , 839 ; 2020, c. 735 .
Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-303.3 — Virginia Code / Title 24.2 / Chapter 3 / Article 2 / Section 24.2-303.3
Repealed
Status: repealed

Repealed by Acts 2023, c. 455 , cl. 2.
Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-949.4 — Virginia Code / Title 24.2 / Chapter 9.3 / Article 4 / Section 24.2-949.4
Political action committee treasurer requirements and responsibilities
Status: in_force

A. The treasurer shall keep detailed and accurate accounts of all contributions turned over to and expenditures made by the committee, the treasurer, or other officer on behalf of the political action committee, or reported to the treasurer pursuant to this chapter. Such account shall set forth the date of the contribution or expenditure, its amount or value, the name and address of the person or committee making the contribution or to whom the expenditure was made, and the object or purpose of the contribution or expenditure.

Such books and records may be destroyed or discarded at any time after (i) one year from the date of filing the final report required by § 24.2-949.9 or (ii) a period of three years, whichever first occurs, unless a court of competent jurisdiction shall order their retention for a longer period.

B. All receipts and expenditures received or made by any political action committee, or received or made on its behalf or in relation to the committee by any individual or person, except independent expenditures, shall be paid over or delivered to the political action committee's treasurer or shall be reported to the treasurer in such detail and form as to allow him to comply fully with this article. An independent expenditure shall be reported pursuant to § 24.2-945.2 in lieu of being reported to the political action committee's treasurer.

C. It shall be unlawful for any political action committee, its treasurer, or any person receiving contributions or making expenditures on the committee's behalf or in relation to the committee, to fail to report every contribution and expenditure as required by this article.

D. No political action committee treasurer or other individual shall pay any expense on behalf of the committee, directly or indirectly, except by a check or electronic debit drawn on such designated depository identifying the name of the political action committee. However, a treasurer or other authorized officer of the political action committee may be reimbursed, by a check or electronic debit drawn on the designated depository, for the payment of expenses (i) paid by him by cash, check or electronic debit, or credit card, (ii) made on behalf of the committee, and (iii) fully documented by complete records of the expenditure, maintained as required by this chapter, and including receipts identifying the nature of the expenses and the names and addresses of each person paid by the recipient of the reimbursement.

E. A treasurer of a political action committee (i) may establish a petty cash fund to be utilized for the purpose of making expenditures or reimbursing verified credit card expenditures of less than $200 if complete records of such expenditures are maintained as required by this chapter and (ii) may transfer funds from the designated campaign depository to an account or instrument to earn interest on the funds so long as the transferred funds and earned interest are returned to the designated depository account, complete records are maintained, and all expenditures are made through the designated depository account.

2006, cc. 787 , 892 ; 2020, c. 349 .
Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-951.4 — Virginia Code / Title 24.2 / Chapter 9.3 / Article 6 / Section 24.2-951.4
Filing schedule for referendum committees for referendums to be decided at November elections
Status: in_force

A. A referendum committee supporting or opposing a question on the ballot in a November election shall file the prescribed campaign finance reports as follows:

1. Not later than July 15 in any year in which the referendum is not on the ballot for the period January 1 through June 30;

2. Not later than January 15 in any year in which the referendum is not on the ballot for the period July 1 through December 31;

3. In an election year, not later than April 15 for the period January 1 through March 31 and pursuant to subdivisions 4 through 9 of this section;

4. Not later than the eighth day before the primary date complete through the thirteenth day before the primary date;

5. Not later than July 15 complete through June 30;

6. Not later than September 15 complete through August 31;

7. Not later than October 15 complete through September 30;

8. Not later than the eighth day before the November election date complete through the thirteenth day before the election date;

9. Not later than the thirtieth day after the November election date complete through the twenty-third day after the election date; and

10. Not later than January 15 following an election year complete through December 31.

B. A referendum committee may either (i) file a final report within six months after the referendum is held or (ii) continue as a political action committee more than six months after the referendum is held, provided that the committee submits an amended statement of organization to the State Board redesignating the committee as a political action committee and complies with the requirements for political action committees in Article 4 of this chapter including the reporting schedule set forth in § 24.2-949.6 .

2003, c. 257 , § 24.2-910.1; 2005, c. 745 ; 2006, cc. 787 , 892 .
Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-702.1 — Virginia Code / Title 24.2 / Chapter 7 / Section 24.2-702.1
Federal write-in absentee ballots
Status: in_force

A. Notwithstanding any other provision of this title, a covered voter, as defined in § 24.2-452 , may use a federal write-in absentee ballot in any election. Such ballot shall be submitted and processed in the manner provided by the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (52 U.S.C. § 20301 et seq.) and this article.

B. Notwithstanding any other provision of this title, a federal write-in absentee ballot submitted pursuant to subsection A shall be considered valid for purposes of simultaneously satisfying both an absentee ballot application and a completed absentee ballot, provided that the ballot is received no later than the deadline for the return of absentee ballots as provided in § 24.2-709 for the election in which the voter offers to vote, and the application contains the following information: (i) the voter's signature; however, if the voter is unable to sign, the person assisting the voter will note this fact in the voter signature box; (ii) the voter's printed name; (iii) the voter's birth year; (iv) the last four digits of the voter's social security number; (v) the county or city in which the voter is registered and offers to vote; (vi) the residence address at which the voter is registered to vote; and (vii) the voter's current military or overseas address. For purposes of this section, the unique identifier assigned to the voter in the voter registration system pursuant to subdivision A 1 of § 24.2-404 shall be accepted in place of the last four digits of the voter's social security number for those voters whose registration includes a statement of affirmation that they have never been issued a social security number.

C. This section shall not be construed to require that an absentee ballot be sent to the absentee voter on receipt of a federal write-in absentee ballot unless the voter has also submitted an absentee ballot application pursuant to § 24.2-701 .

1993, c. 813, § 24.1-228.2:1; 1993, c. 641; 2002, cc. 785 , 819 ; 2009, cc. 230 , 310 ; 2010, cc. 449 , 645 ; 2011, cc. 427 , 458 ; 2012, c. 353 ; 2015, c. 313 ; 2019, cc. 668 , 669 ; 2020, cc. 1149 , 1151 , 1201 ; 2023, c. 785 .
Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-237 — Virginia Code / Title 24.2 / Chapter 2 / Article 7 / Section 24.2-237
Who to represent Commonwealth; trial by jury; appeal
Status: in_force

The attorney for the Commonwealth shall represent the Commonwealth in all proceedings under this article. If the proceeding is against the attorney for the Commonwealth, the court shall appoint an attorney to represent the Commonwealth. The Commonwealth and the officer shall be the only parties to the action. Any officer proceeded against shall have the right to demand a trial by jury. The Commonwealth and the officer shall each have the right to appeal to the Court of Appeals upon the record made in the trial court and the Court of Appeals shall consider and determine such cases.

1975, cc. 515, 595, § 24.1-79.9; 1993, c. 641; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 489 ; 2023, cc. 663 , 664 .
Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-945.2 — Virginia Code / Title 24.2 / Chapter 9.3 / Article 1 / Section 24.2-945.2
Persons required to file independent expenditure disclosure reports; filing deadline
Status: in_force

A. Any person, candidate campaign committee, or political committee that makes independent expenditures, in the aggregate during an election cycle, of $1,000 or more for a statewide election or $200 or more for any other election shall maintain records and report pursuant to this chapter all such independent expenditures made for the purpose of expressly advocating the election or defeat of a clearly identified candidate.

B. Independent expenditure reports shall be due (i) within 24 hours of the time when the funds were expended or (ii) within 24 hours of the time when materials, as described in subsection A of this section, are published or broadcast to the public, whichever (i) or (ii) first occurs. The report filed by a political action committee or political party committee shall include the information required for a statement of organization as listed in subdivisions A 1 through A 8 of § 24.2-949.2 or subdivisions 1 through 6 of § 24.2-950.2 , as appropriate, unless the committee has a current statement of organization on file with the State Board.

C. Independent expenditure reports required by this section shall be filed electronically pursuant to § 24.2-946.1 .

1970, c. 462, § 24.1-255; 1975, c. 515; 1981, c. 425; 1983, c. 119; 1988, c. 616; 1991, c. 9; 1993, c. 641, § 24.2-910; 1996, c. 1042 ; 2002, c. 468 ; 2006, cc. 772 , 787 , 892 , 938 ; 2007, cc. 331 , 831 ; 2008, c. 825 ; 2015, cc. 644 , 645 ; 2024, cc. 206 , 258 .
Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-226 — Virginia Code / Title 24.2 / Chapter 2 / Article 6 / Section 24.2-226
Election to fill vacancy
Status: in_force

A. A vacancy in any elected local office, whether occurring when for any reason an officer-elect does not take office or occurring after an officer begins his term, shall be filled as provided by § 24.2-228 or for constitutional officers as provided in § 24.2-228.1 , or unless provided otherwise by statute or charter requiring special elections within the time limits provided in this title. The governing body or, in the case of an elected school board, the school board of the county, city, or town in which the vacancy occurs shall, within 15 days of the occurrence of the vacancy, petition the circuit court to issue a writ of election to fill the vacancy as set forth in Article 5 (§ 24.2-681 et seq.) of Chapter 6. Either upon receipt of the petition or on its own motion, the court shall issue the writ ordering the election promptly and shall order the special election to be held on the date of the next general election in November or in May if the vacant office is regularly scheduled by law to be filled in May. However, if the governing body or the school board requests in its petition a different date for the election, the court shall order the special election be held on that date, so long as the date requested precedes the date of such next general election and complies with the provisions of § 24.2-682 . If the vacancy occurs within 90 days of the next such general election and the governing body or the school board has not requested in its petition a different date for the election, the special election shall be held on the date of the second such general election. Upon receipt of written notification by an officer or officer-elect of his resignation as of a stated date, the governing body or school board, as the case may be, may immediately petition the circuit court to issue a writ of election, and the court may immediately issue the writ to call the election. The officer's or officer-elect's resignation shall not be revocable after the date stated by him for his resignation or after the forty-fifth day before the date set for the special election. The person so elected shall hold the office for the remaining portion of the regular term of the office for which the vacancy is being filled.

B. Notwithstanding any provision of law or charter to the contrary, no election to fill a vacancy shall be ordered or held if the general election at which it is to be called is scheduled within 60 days of the end of the term of the office to be filled.

C. Notwithstanding any provision of law or charter to the contrary, when an interim appointment to a vacancy in any governing body or elected school board has been made by the remaining members thereof, no election to fill the vacancy shall be ordered or held if the general election at which it is to be called is scheduled in the year in which the term expires.

Code 1950, §§ 24-145, 24-147.1; 1958, c. 621; 1970, c. 462, §§ 24.1-76, 24.1-79; 1975, c. 515; 1976, c. 616; 1977, c. 490; 1984, c. 480; 1993, c. 641; 1996, c. 873 ; 2000, cc. 787 , 1045 , 1070 ; 2003, c. 1015 ; 2010, cc. 431 , 449 , 645 ; 2011, c. 206 ; 2014, c. 476 .
Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-958 — Virginia Code / Title 24.2 / Chapter 9.5 / Article 4 / Section 24.2-958
General provisions; applicability to advertisements in audio format
Status: in_force

A. Radio outlets and online platforms shall not be liable under this article for carriage of political advertisements that fail to include the disclosure requirements provided for in this article. This provision supersedes any contrary provisions of the Code of Virginia.

B. The person accepting an advertisement for a radio outlet shall require, and for one year shall retain a copy of, proof of identity of the person who submits the advertisement for broadcast. Proof of identity shall be submitted either (i) in person and include a valid Virginia driver's license, or any other identification card issued by a government agency of the Commonwealth, one of its political subdivisions, or the United States, or (ii) other than in person, in which case, the person submitting the advertisement shall provide a telephone number and the person accepting the advertisement may phone the person to verify the validity of the person's identifying information before broadcasting the advertisement.

C. Any disclosure statement required by this section shall be communicated in a conspicuous manner.

D. An advertisement that is in audio format and is placed or promoted for a fee on an online platform shall be subject to the same disclosure requirements to which radio advertisements are subject pursuant to this article.

2002, c. 487 , § 24.2-944; 2004, cc. 55 , 457 ; 2005, c. 369 ; 2006, cc. 787 , 892 ; 2020, c. 551 .
Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-948.1 — Virginia Code / Title 24.2 / Chapter 9.3 / Article 3 / Section 24.2-948.1
Exemption from reporting requirements for certain candidates for local office and for directors of soil and water conservation districts
Status: in_force

A. This section shall apply to candidates for local office and for director of soil and water conservation districts. A candidate for local office or for director of a soil and water conservation district may seek an exemption from the requirements for filing campaign finance disclosure reports set out in this chapter except for the filing requirements of §§ 24.2-945.2 , 24.2-947.1 , and 24.2-948.4 pertaining to certain independent expenditures, the statement of organization, and the filing of a final report. The request for an exemption shall be filed with the general registrar of the county or city where the candidate resides on a form prescribed by the State Board and in accordance with instructions by the State Board for the time for filing and the process for approval by the general registrar.

B. To qualify for an exemption, the candidate shall certify on the form that (i) he has not and will not solicit or accept any contribution from any other person or political committee during the course of his campaign, (ii) he has not and will not contribute to his own campaign more than $1,000, (iii) he has not and will not expend more than $1,000 in the course of his campaign, and (iv) that he has complied and will comply with the requirements of this chapter. This certification shall apply for the duration of the campaign until the filing of a final report in compliance with § 24.2-948.4 after the election. A candidate may rescind his certification and exemption at any time during the campaign and shall file in accordance with the appropriate filing schedule thereafter, provided that the candidate rescinds his certification prior to engaging in the activities described in clauses (i), (ii), and (iii) of this subsection. The first report filed shall account for all prior contributions and expenditures pertaining to his campaign.

C. A candidate for director of a soil and water conservation district may also seek an exemption from the requirement that he designate a separate campaign depository pursuant to § 24.2-947.1 by certifying, on the same form as provided for other exemptions in subsection A, that (i) he has not and will not contribute any money to his own campaign and (ii) he has not and will not expend any money in the course of the campaign.

A candidate may rescind his certification and exemption at any time during the campaign and shall file in accordance with the appropriate filing schedule thereafter, provided that the candidate rescinds his certification prior to engaging in the activities described in clauses (i) and (ii).

D. Any candidate who has qualified for an exemption from reporting requirements pursuant to this section shall not be permitted to qualify for any office, enter upon the duties thereof, or receive any salary or emoluments therefrom until a final report has been filed that details all financial activity of the candidate's campaign and states that all reporting for the nomination and election is complete and final. No officer authorized by the laws of the Commonwealth to issue certificates of election shall issue one to any person determined to be elected to any such office, until copies of the final report cited above have been filed as required in this chapter.

E. A candidate who has a current exemption under the provisions of this section, or who is otherwise exempt from reporting contributions and expenditures under this chapter, may purchase voter lists from the State Board under the provisions of §§ 24.2-405 and 24.2-406 with a check drawn on the candidate's personal account.

2001, c. 794 , § 24 .2-906.1; 2005, c. 384 ; 2006, cc. 787 , 892 ; 2010, c. 696 ; 2015, cc. 644 , 645 ; 2020, c. 772 ; 2024, cc. 110 , 124 .
Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-951.8 — Virginia Code / Title 24.2 / Chapter 9.3 / Article 6 / Section 24.2-951.8
With whom referendum committees file reports; electronic filing requirement
Status: in_force

A. Referendum committees required to file statements or reports by this article shall file all reports with the State Board.

B. A referendum committee that is required by this chapter to file reports with the State Board, and that accepts contributions or makes expenditures in excess of $10,000 in any calendar year, or that accepted contributions or made expenditures in excess of $10,000 in the previous calendar year, shall file its reports with the State Board by computer or electronic means in accordance with the standards approved by the State Board until such time as the referendum committee files a final report or until subject to the provisions of subsection B of § 24.2-951.1 .

C. Any referendum committee that has been filing electronically, but does not anticipate accepting contributions or making expenditures in excess of $10,000 in the upcoming calendar year, may sign a waiver, on a form prescribed by the State Board, to exempt the committee from the electronic filing requirement for the calendar year. Such waiver form shall be submitted and received no later than the date the first report is due covering activity for that calendar year.

1996, c. 687 , § 24.2-914.1; 1997, cc. 364 , 392 ; 1998, c. 416 ; 1999, c. 864 ; 2000, cc. 511 , 555 ; 2003, cc. 242 , 257 , § 24.2-910.1; 2005, c. 745 ; 2006, cc. 787 , 892 .
Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-617 — Virginia Code / Title 24.2 / Chapter 6 / Article 2 / Section 24.2-617
Representative of electoral board or general registrar to be present at printing; custody of ballots; electoral board or general registrar may disclose contents, style, and size
Status: in_force

The electoral board or general registrar shall designate one person to be continuously present in the room in which the ballots are printed from the start to the end of the work and ensure that the undertakings of the printer's statement are complied with strictly. For the discharge of this duty the person, other than a board member, shall receive at least $20 per day.

As soon as the ballots are printed they shall be securely wrapped and sealed, and the designated person shall assure their delivery to the general registrar, allowing no one to examine them until delivery.

The designated person shall sign a statement, subject to felony penalties for making false statements pursuant to § 24.2-1016 , that he has faithfully performed his duties, that the printer has complied with the requirements of law, and that only the requested number of ballots have been printed and are being delivered to the general registrar.

This section shall not be construed to prohibit any electoral board or general registrar from publishing or otherwise disclosing the contents, style, and size of ballots, which information electoral boards or general registrars are authorized to publish or otherwise disclose.

Code 1950, §§ 24-219, 24-220.1, 24-221; 1970, c. 462, § 24.1-115; 1980, c. 639; 1993, c. 641; 2016, cc. 18 , 492 .
Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-701 — Virginia Code / Title 24.2 / Chapter 7 / Section 24.2-701
Application for absentee ballot
Status: in_force

A. The Department shall furnish each general registrar with a sufficient number of applications for official absentee ballots. The registrars shall furnish applications to persons requesting them.

The Department shall implement a system that enables eligible persons to request and receive an absentee ballot application electronically through the Internet. Electronic absentee ballot applications shall be in a form approved by the State Board.

Except as provided in § 24.2-703 or 24.2-703.1 , a separate application shall be completed for each election in which the applicant offers to vote. An application for an absentee ballot may be accepted the later of (i) 12 months before an election or (ii) the day following any election held in the twelfth month prior to the election in which the applicant is applying to vote.

An application that is completed in person at the same time that the applicant registers to vote shall be held and processed no sooner than the fifth day after the date that the applicant registered to vote; however, this requirement shall not be applicable to any covered voter, as defined in § 24.2-452 .

Any application received before the ballots are printed shall be held and processed as soon as the printed ballots for the election are available.

For the purposes of this chapter, the general registrar's office shall be open a minimum of eight hours between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on the first and second Saturday immediately preceding all elections.

Unless the applicant is disabled, all applications for absentee ballots shall be signed by the applicant who shall state, subject to felony penalties for making false statements pursuant to § 24.2-1016 , that to the best of his knowledge and belief the facts contained in the application are true and correct and that he has not and will not vote in the election at any other place in Virginia or in any other state. If the applicant is unable to sign the application, a person assisting the applicant will note this fact on the applicant signature line and provide his signature, name, and address.

B. Applications for absentee ballots shall be completed in the following manner:

1. An application completed in person shall be completed only in the office of the general registrar and signed by the applicant in the presence of a registrar. The applicant shall provide one of the forms of identification specified in subsection B of § 24.2-643 , or if he is unable to present one of the specified forms of identification listed in that subsection, he shall sign a statement, subject to felony penalties for making false statements pursuant to § 24.2-1016 , that he is the named registered voter he claims to be. An applicant who requires assistance in voting by reason of a physical disability or an inability to read or write, and who requests assistance pursuant to § 24.2-649 , may be assisted in preparation of this statement in accordance with that section. The provisions of § 24.2-649 regarding voters who are unable to sign shall be followed when assisting a voter in completing this statement. Any applicant who does not show one of the forms of identification specified in subsection B of § 24.2-643 or does not sign this statement shall be offered a provisional ballot under the provisions of § 24.2-653 . The State Board of Elections shall provide instructions to the general registrar for the handling and counting of such provisional ballots pursuant to § 24.2-653.01 and this section.

This paragraph shall apply in the case of any individual who is required by subparagraph (b) of 52 U.S.C. § 21083 of the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to show identification the first time he votes in a federal election in the state. At such election, such individual shall present (i) a current and valid photo identification or (ii) a copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document that shows the name and address of the voter. Such individual who desires to vote in person but does not show one of the forms of identification specified in this paragraph shall be offered a provisional ballot under the provisions of § 24.2-653 . The identification requirements of subsection B of § 24.2-643 and subsection A of § 24.2-653 shall not apply to such voter at such election. The Department of Elections shall provide instructions to the electoral boards for the handling and counting of such provisional ballots pursuant to § 24.2-653.01 and this section.

2. Any other application may be made by mail, by electronic or telephonic transmission to a facsimile device if one is available to the office of the general registrar or to the office of the Department if a device is not available locally, or by other means. The application shall be on a form furnished by the registrar or as specified in subdivision 3. The application shall be made to the appropriate registrar no later than 5:00 p.m. on the eleventh day prior to the election in which the applicant offers to vote.

3. The application of any covered voter, as defined in § 24.2-452 , may be on a federal postcard application, as defined in § 24.2-452 . The federal postcard application may be accepted the later of (i) 12 months before an election or (ii) the day following any election held in the twelfth month prior to the election in which the applicant is applying to vote.

C. Applications for absentee ballots shall contain the following information:

1. The applicant's printed name and the last four digits of the applicant's social security number. However, an applicant completing the application in person shall not be required to provide the last four digits of his social security number;

2. A statement that he is registered in the county or city in which he offers to vote and his residence address in such county or city. Any person temporarily residing outside the United States shall provide the last date of residency at his Virginia residence address, if that residence is no longer available to him. Any covered voter, as defined in § 24.2-452 , who is not a registered voter may file the applications to register and for a ballot simultaneously; and

3. The complete address to which the ballot is to be sent directly to the applicant, unless the application is made in person at a time when the printed ballots for the election are available and the applicant chooses to vote in person at the time of completing his application. The address given shall be (i) the address of the applicant on file in the registration records; (ii) the address at which he will be located while absent from his county or city; or (iii) the address at which he will be located while temporarily confined while awaiting trial or for a misdemeanor conviction or due to a disability or illness. No ballot shall be sent to, or in care of, any other person.

D. An application shall not be required for any registered voter appearing in person to cast an absentee ballot pursuant to § 24.2-701.1 .

Code 1950, § 24.1-228; 1970, c. 462, § 24.1-228.1; 1971, Ex. Sess., c. 119; 1972, cc. 620, 621; 1973, c. 30; 1974, c. 428; 1975, c. 515; 1977, c. 490; 1978, c. 778; 1980, c. 639; 1981, c. 425; 1982, c. 650; 1983, c. 461; 1988, c. 8; 1989, c. 320; 1992, c. 288; 1993, cc. 414, 641; 1996, c. 295 ; 1998, c. 254 ; 2000, cc. 378 , 863 ; 2001, cc. 621 , 631 , 793 ; 2002, cc. 785 , 819 ; 2003, c. 478 ; 2004, c. 410 ; 2006, c. 438 ; 2007, c. 315 ; 2008, cc. 386 , 425 , 880 ; 2009, cc. 405 , 873 ; 2010, c. 244 ; 2011, cc. 427 , 458 ; 2012, cc. 353 , 612 , 838 , 839 ; 2013, cc. 535 , 620 , 725 ; 2015, cc. 314 , 644 , 645 ; 2017, c. 631 ; 2018, c. 595 ; 2019, cc. 668 , 669 ; 2020, cc. 289 , 561 , 735 , 1064 , 1065 , 1149 , 1151 , 1201 ; 2024, c. 553 .
Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-515.1 — Virginia Code / Title 24.2 / Chapter 5 / Article 4 / Section 24.2-515.1
Schedule for primaries in the year 2001 and each tenth year thereafter
Status: in_force

Primaries for the nomination of candidates for the offices listed in Section 4 of Article VII of the Constitution of Virginia to be voted on at the general election in November 2001 and each tenth year thereafter shall be held on the third Tuesday in June next preceding such election notwithstanding any special primary schedule enacted for any other office.

1993, c. 355, § 24.1-174.1; 1993, c. 641; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 239 .
Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-244 — Virginia Code / Title 24.2 / Chapter 2.1 / Article 2 / Section 24.2-244
Convening of electors; filling vacancies; how electors required to vote
Status: in_force

A. The electors shall convene at the Capitol building in the capital city of the Commonwealth at noon on the first Tuesday after the second Wednesday in December following their election.

B. Those electors present shall immediately fill, by ballot and by a plurality of votes, any vacancy due to death, withdrawal, disqualification, failure or inability to attend, or other cause. When all electors are present and any vacancies have been filled, they shall proceed to perform the duties required of such electors by the Constitution and laws of the United States.

C. Electors selected by the state convention of any political party as defined in § 24.2-101 shall be required to vote for the nominees of the national convention to which the state convention elects delegates. Electors named in any petition of qualified voters as provided in § 24.2-242 shall be required to vote for the individuals named for President and for Vice President in the petition. Any elector who refuses to present a ballot, presents an unmarked ballot, or presents a ballot marked in violation of the elector's oath signed and notarized pursuant to § 24.2-240 shall be deemed to vacate the office of elector. Such vacancy shall be filled immediately by those electors present pursuant to subsection B.

2024, c. 801 .
Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-304.04 — Virginia Code / Title 24.2 / Chapter 3 / Article 2 / Section 24.2-304.04
Standards and criteria for congressional and state legislative districts
Status: in_force

Every congressional and state legislative district shall be constituted so as to adhere to the following criteria:

1. Districts shall be so constituted as to give, as nearly as is practicable, representation in proportion to the population of the district. A deviation of no more than five percent shall be permitted for state legislative districts.

2. Districts shall be drawn in accordance with the requirements of the Constitution of the United States, including the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment, and the Constitution of Virginia; federal and state laws, including the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965, as amended; and relevant judicial decisions relating to racial and ethnic fairness.

3. No district shall be drawn that results in a denial or abridgement of the right of any citizen to vote on account of race or color or membership in a language minority group. No district shall be drawn that results in a denial or abridgement of the rights of any racial or language minority group to participate in the political process and to elect representatives of their choice. A violation of this subdivision is established if, on the basis of the totality of the circumstances, it is shown that districts were drawn in such a way that members of a racial or language minority group are dispersed into districts in which they constitute an ineffective minority of voters or are concentrated into districts where they constitute an excessive majority. The extent to which members of a racial or language minority group have been elected to office in the state or the political subdivision is one circumstance that may be considered. Nothing in this subdivision shall establish a right to have members of a racial or language minority group elected in numbers equal to their proportion in the population.

4. Districts shall be drawn to give racial and language minorities an equal opportunity to participate in the political process and shall not dilute or diminish their ability to elect candidates of choice either alone or in coalition with others.

5. Districts shall be drawn to preserve communities of interest. For purposes of this subdivision, a "community of interest" means a neighborhood or any geographically defined group of people living in an area who share similar social, cultural, and economic interests. A "community of interest" does not include a community based upon political affiliation or relationship with a political party, elected official, or candidate for office.

6. Districts shall be composed of contiguous territory, with no district contiguous only by connections by water running downstream or upriver, and political boundaries may be considered.

7. Districts shall be composed of compact territory and shall be drawn employing one or more standard numerical measures of individual and average district compactness, both statewide and district by district.

8. A map of districts shall not, when considered on a statewide basis, unduly favor or disfavor any political party.

9. The whole number of persons reported in the most recent federal decennial census by the United States Bureau of the Census shall be the basis for determining district populations, except that no person shall be deemed to have gained or lost a residence by reason of conviction and incarceration in a federal, state, or local correctional facility. Persons incarcerated in a federal, state, or local correctional facility shall be counted in the locality of their address at the time of incarceration, and the Division of Legislative Services shall adjust the census data pursuant to § 24.2-314 for this purpose.

2020, cc. 1229 , 1265 .
Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-707.1 — Virginia Code / Title 24.2 / Chapter 7 / Section 24.2-707.1
Drop-off locations for return of absentee ballots
Status: in_force

A. The general registrar of each county or city shall establish at the office of the general registrar and each voter satellite office in operation for an election a drop-off location for the purpose of allowing the deposit of completed absentee ballots for such election. On the day of the election, there shall also be a drop-off location at each polling place in operation for the election. The general registrar may establish additional drop-off locations within the county or city as he deems necessary. All drop-off locations shall be accessible; be on public property, unless located at a polling place; and otherwise comply with any criteria for drop-off locations set by the Department. The provisions of §§ 24.2-604 , 24.2-604.4 , 24.2-605 , 24.2-606 , and 24.2-607 prohibiting certain conduct or activities, and allowing for designation of a law-enforcement officer, in and around a polling place shall apply to drop-off locations.

B. The Department shall set standards for the establishment and operation of drop-off locations, including necessary security requirements. The Department shall submit such standards annually by October 1 to the Chairmen of the House and Senate Committees on Privileges and Elections, the Senate Committee on Finance and Appropriations, and the House Committee on Appropriations.

C. Not later than 55 days prior to any election, the general registrar shall post notice of the sites of the drop-off locations in the locality in the office of the general registrar and on the official website of the county or city. Such notice shall remain in the office of the general registrar and on the official website of the county or city for the duration of the period during which absentee ballots may be returned.

D. Absentee ballots shall be collected from drop-off locations in accordance with the instructions provided by the Department. Such instructions shall include chain of custody requirements and recordkeeping requirements. Absentee ballots shall be collected at least daily by (i) two officers of election or electoral board members representing the two major political parties where practicable or (ii) two employees from the office of the general registrar, unless the drop-off location is in the office of the general registrar, in which case the general registrar or a deputy general registrar may collect the absentee ballots.

2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 471 , 522 ; 2022, c. 140 ; 2026, c. 1078 .
Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-462 — Virginia Code / Title 24.2 / Chapter 4.1 / Section 24.2-462
Receipt of voted ballot
Status: in_force

A valid military-overseas ballot must be counted if it is delivered to the address that the appropriate state or local election office has specified by the close of the polls on the date of the election except as provided in § 24.2-709 .

2012, c. 353 .
Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-956 — Virginia Code / Title 24.2 / Chapter 9.5 / Article 2 / Section 24.2-956
Requirements for print media advertisements sponsored by a candidate campaign committee
Status: in_force

It shall be unlawful for any candidate or candidate campaign committee to sponsor a print media advertisement that constitutes an expenditure or contribution required to be disclosed under Chapter 9.3 (§ 24.2-945 et seq.) unless all of the following conditions are met:

1. It bears the legend or includes the statement: "Paid for by [Name of candidate or campaign committee as it appears on the statement of organization]." Alternatively, if the advertisement is supporting a candidate who is the sponsor and the advertisement makes no reference to any other clearly identified candidate, then the statement "Paid for by [Name of candidate]" may be replaced by the statement "Authorized by [Name of candidate]."

2. In an advertisement sponsored by a candidate or a candidate campaign committee that makes reference to any other clearly identified candidate who is not sponsoring the advertisement, the sponsor shall state whether it is authorized by the candidate not sponsoring the advertisement. The visual legend in the advertisement shall state either "Authorized by [Name of candidate], candidate for [Name of office]" or "Not authorized by any other candidate." This subdivision does not apply if the sponsor of the advertisement is the candidate the advertisement supports or that candidate's campaign committee.

3. If an advertisement is jointly sponsored, the disclosure statement shall name all the sponsors.

4. Any disclosure statement required by this section shall be displayed in a conspicuous manner in a font size proportionate to the size of the advertisement. The State Board of Elections shall promulgate standards for meeting the requirements of this subdivision.

5. Any print media advertisement appearing in electronic format shall display the disclosure statement in a minimum font size of seven point; however, if the advertisement lacks sufficient space for a disclosure statement in a minimum font size of seven point, the advertisement may meet disclosure requirements if, by clicking on the print media advertisement appearing in electronic format, the viewer is taken to a landing page or a home page that displays the disclosure statement in a conspicuous manner.

2002, c. 487 , § 24 .2-943; 2003, c. 237 ; 2004, cc. 55 , 457 ; 2005, c. 369 ; 2006, cc. 787 , 892 ; 2012, c. 519 ; 2020, cc. 557 , 615 .
Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-527 — Virginia Code / Title 24.2 / Chapter 5 / Article 4 / Section 24.2-527
(Effective until January 1, 2027) Chairman or official to furnish State Board and general registrars with names of candidates and certify petition signature requirements met
Status: in_force

A. It shall be the duty of the chairman or chairmen of the several committees of the respective parties to furnish the name of any candidate for nomination for any office to be elected by the qualified voters of the Commonwealth at large or of a congressional district or of a General Assembly district to the State Board, and to furnish the name of any candidate for any other office to the State Board and to the general registrars charged with the duty of preparing and printing the primary ballots. In furnishing the name of any such candidate, the chairman shall certify that a review of the filed candidate petitions found the required minimum number of signatures of qualified voters for that office to have been met. The chairman shall also certify the order and date and time of filing for purposes of printing the ballots as prescribed in § 24.2-529 , provided that the State Board shall determine the order and date and time of filing for candidates for United States Senator, Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Attorney General for such purposes. Each chairman shall comply with the provisions of this section not less than 70 days before the primary.

B. In no case shall the individual who is a candidate for an office be the person who certifies the names of candidates for a primary for that same office. In such case the party shall designate an alternate official to certify the candidates.

Code 1950, § 24-375; 1970, c. 462, § 24.1-187; 1976, c. 616; 1978, c. 239; 1979, c. 329; 1993, c. 641; 2006, c. 83 ; 2010, cc. 449 , 645 ; 2013, c. 443 ; 2016, cc. 18 , 492 .
Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-955.2 — Virginia Code / Title 24.2 / Chapter 9.5 / Article 1 / Section 24.2-955.2
Publications not to receive compensation for advocating candidacy; penalties
Status: in_force

A. It shall be unlawful for any owner, proprietor, editor, manager, officer, clerk, agent, reporter, or employee of any newspaper, magazine, or periodical printed or published in this Commonwealth to accept or receive or agree to accept or receive, for himself or another, any money or other valuable consideration for such newspaper, magazine, or other periodical supporting or advocating the election or defeat of any candidate. But nothing in this section shall prevent any person, firm, or corporation engaged in the publication of any newspaper, magazine or periodical from receiving from any person compensation for printing and publishing any matter, article or articles advocating the election or defeat of any candidate, if a statement, "Paid Advertisement," appears in plain type in boldface Roman capitals in a conspicuous place at the beginning of the matter or article and the matter or article otherwise complies with the provisions of this chapter.

B. The person accepting a "Paid Advertisement" for the newspaper, magazine or periodical shall require, and for one year shall retain a copy of, proof of the identity of the person who submits the advertisement for publication when the authorization statement on the advertisement is made pursuant to this chapter by an individual or entity other than a candidate, candidate campaign committee, political party committee, or political action committee. Proof of identity shall be submitted either (i) in person and include a valid Virginia driver's license, or any other identification card issued by a government agency of the Commonwealth, one of its political subdivisions, or the United States, or (ii) other than in person, in which case, the person submitting the advertisement shall provide a telephone number and the person accepting the advertisement may phone the person to verify the validity of the person's identifying information before publishing the advertisement. Any candidate clearly identified in the advertisement is entitled to the name of the person who submitted the advertisement after the publication of the advertisement in the newspaper, magazine, or periodical.

C. Any such owner, proprietor, editor, manager, officer, clerk, agent, reporter, or employee violating the provisions of subsection A or B shall be subject to a civil penalty not to exceed $50; and, in the case of a willful violation, he shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. The procedure to enforce the civil penalty provided in this section shall be as stated in Article 8 (§ 24.2-953 et seq.) of Chapter 9.3.

Code 1950, § 24-406; 1952, c. 4; 1970, c. 462, § 24.1-276; 1991, c. 709; 1993, c. 641, § 24.2-1013; 2001, c. 747 ; 2002, c. 487 ; 2006, cc. 787 , 892 ; 2008, c. 825 .
Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-111 — Virginia Code / Title 24.2 / Chapter 1 / Article 4 / Section 24.2-111
Compensation and expenses of general registrars
Status: in_force

The General Assembly shall establish a compensation plan in the general appropriation act for the general registrars. The governing body for the county or city of each general registrar shall pay compensation in accordance with the plan and be reimbursed annually as authorized in the act. The governing body shall be required to provide benefits to the general and deputy registrars and staff as provided to other employees of the locality, and shall be authorized to supplement the salary of the general registrar to the extent provided in the act.

Each locality shall pay the reasonable expenses of the general registrar, including reimbursement for mileage at the rate payable to members of the General Assembly. In case of a dispute, the State Board shall approve or disapprove the reimbursement. Reasonable expenses include, but are not limited to, costs for (i) an adequately trained registrar's staff, including training in the use of computers and other technology to the extent provided to other local employees with similar job responsibilities, and reasonable costs for the general registrar to receive and maintain certification as required by the State Board pursuant to subsection C of § 24.2-103 ; (ii) adequate training for officers of election; (iii) conducting elections as required by this title; and (iv) voter education.

Code 1950, §§ 24-52, 24-52.1, 24-55, 24-61, 24-65, 24-66, 24-118.1; 1954, c. 691; 1962, c. 475; 1964, c. 608; 1968, cc. 97, 141; 1970, c. 462, § 24.1-43; 1973, c. 30; 1974, c. 428; 1975, c. 515; 1976, c. 12; 1978, c. 778; 1981, c. 425; 1982, c. 290; 1983, c. 511; 1984, c. 480; 1985, c. 197; 1986, c. 558; 1988, c. 528; 1993, c. 641; 2003, c. 1015 ; 2016, c. 13 ; 2020, c. 1148 ; 2022, c. 140 .
Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-523 — Virginia Code / Title 24.2 / Chapter 5 / Article 4 / Section 24.2-523
Candidates to pay fee before filing
Status: in_force

Every candidate for nomination for any office at any primary shall, before he files his declaration of candidacy, pay a fee equal to two percent of one year's minimum salary attached to the office for which he is candidate in effect in the year in which he files.

In case of an office for which compensation is paid in whole or in part by fees, the amount to be paid by a candidate as his contribution for the payment of the expenses of the primary shall be fixed by the proper committee of the respective parties.

If there is no salary or fee attached to the office, the fee for primary expenses shall be five dollars. This provision includes candidates for party committees in § 24.2-518 .

Code 1950, §§ 24-398 through 24-400; 1970, c. 462, § 24.1-198; 1976, c. 616; 1993, c. 641.
Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-121 — Virginia Code / Title 24.2 / Chapter 1 / Article 6 / Section 24.2-121
Defense of the electoral board, its members, and the general registrar staff; appointment of counsel
Status: in_force

If any electoral board, any of its members, any general registrar, or any employee of or paid deputy to a registrar is made defendant in any civil action arising out of the performance of his official duties, and does not have legal defense provided under applicable insurance coverage, the officer, employee, or deputy may apply to the Virginia Division of Risk Management to assign counsel for his defense in the action. In such case, and regardless of whether or not the civil action seeks monetary damages, the Division shall obtain one or more attorneys to defend such action, which attorney may be the Attorney General, the attorney for the Commonwealth of the particular locality served by the defendant, or one or more private attorneys as may be appropriate. In the case of any private attorney, the Division shall determine the appropriate rate of compensation. All private attorneys' fees and any expenses incurred in the defense of the action shall be paid from the treasury of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

1986, c. 558, § 24.1-31.1; 1990, c. 201; 1993, c. 641; 2005, cc. 492 , 548 ; 2022, c. 140 .
Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-701.2 — Virginia Code / Title 24.2 / Chapter 7 / Section 24.2-701.2
Absentee voting in person; voter satellite offices
Status: in_force

A. The governing body of any county or city may establish, by ordinance, voter satellite offices to be used in the locality for absentee voting in person. The governing body may establish as many offices as it deems necessary. No change in, including the creation or abolishment of, any voter satellite office shall be enacted within 60 days next preceding any general election. Notice shall be published prior to enactment in a newspaper having general circulation in the locality once a week for two successive weeks.

B. Any voter satellite office shall be in a public building owned or leased by the county, city, or town within the county and may be in a facility that is owned or leased by the Commonwealth and used as a location for Department of Motor Vehicles facilities or as an office of the general registrar. Such location shall be deemed the equivalent of the office of the general registrar for the purposes of completing the application for an absentee ballot in person pursuant to §§ 24.2-701 and 24.2-706 . Any such location shall have adequate facilities for the protection of all elections materials produced in the process of absentee voting in person, the voted and unvoted absentee ballots, and any voting systems in use at the location.

C. Voter satellite offices shall be accessible to qualified voters as required by the provisions of the Virginians with Disabilities Act (§ 51.5-1 et seq.), the Voting Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped Act (52 U.S.C. § 20101 et seq.), and the Americans with Disabilities Act relating to public services (42 U.S.C. § 12131 et seq.). The State Board shall provide instructions to the local electoral boards and general registrars to assist the localities in complying with the requirements of the acts.

D. The governing body of each county, city, and town shall provide funds to enable the general registrar to provide adequate facilities at each voter satellite office for the conduct of elections.

E. Not later than 55 days prior to any election, the general registrar shall post notice of all voter satellite office locations in the locality and the dates and hours of operation of each location in the office of the general registrar and on the official website for the county or city. Such notice shall remain in the office of the general registrar and on the official website for the county or city for the duration of the period during which absentee voting in person is available. If the county or city does not have an official website, such notice shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation in the county or city at least once prior to the election but not later than 55 days prior to such election.

F. If an emergency makes a voter satellite office unusable or inaccessible, the electoral board or the general registrar shall provide an alternative voter satellite office, subject to the approval of the State Board, and shall give notice of the change in the location of the voter satellite office. The general registrar shall provide notice to the voters appropriate to the circumstances of the emergency. For the purposes of this subsection, "emergency" means a rare and unforeseen combination of circumstances, or the resulting state, that calls for immediate action.

G. The provisions of subsection E of § 24.2-310 providing certain limited circumstances in which a local electoral board may approve an exception to the prohibition on the distribution of campaign or referendum materials inside the prohibited area outside of a polling place shall apply to voter satellite offices and the building in which such offices may be located.

H. A voter satellite office established pursuant to this section shall be deemed to be the equivalent of an office of the general registrar for purposes of completing an application for an absentee ballot in person pursuant to §§ 24.2-701 , 24.2-701.1 , and 24.2-706 .

2020, cc. 856 , 1149 , 1151 , 1201 ; 2025, c. 584 .
Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-402 — Virginia Code / Title 24.2 / Chapter 4 / Article 1 / Section 24.2-402
Persons moving from Commonwealth fewer than thirty days before presidential election
Status: in_force

A person who is qualified to vote except for having moved his residence from the Commonwealth after the thirtieth day preceding a presidential election may vote in the precinct from which he has moved only in that election and only for electors of President and Vice President of the United States.

The officers of election shall deliver to any person who asks to vote under this section the paper ballot for electors of President and Vice President of the United States and no other ballot. The ballot shall be voted, handled, and counted with other like ballots in accordance with the provisions of this title.

Code 1950, §§ 24-17, 24-22, 24-23; 1963, Ex. Sess., c. 2; 1970, c. 462, § 24.1-41; 1971, Ex. Sess., cc. 119, 205, 265, § 24.1-41.1; 1974, c. 428; 1977, c. 490; 1978, c. 778; 1993, c. 641.
Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-463 — Virginia Code / Title 24.2 / Chapter 4.1 / Section 24.2-463
Declaration
Status: in_force

A military-overseas ballot must include or be accompanied by a declaration signed by the voter that a material misstatement of fact in completing the ballot may be grounds for a conviction of perjury under the laws of the United States or this state.

2012, c. 353 .
Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-707 — Virginia Code / Title 24.2 / Chapter 7 / Section 24.2-707
How ballots marked and returned
Status: in_force

A. On receipt of a mailed absentee ballot, the voter shall (i) open the sealed envelope marked "ballot within" and (ii) mark and refold the ballot, as provided in §§ 24.2-644 and 24.2-646 without assistance and without making known how he marked the ballot, except as provided by § 24.2-704 .

After the voter has marked his absentee ballot, he shall (a) enclose the ballot in the envelope provided for that purpose, (b) seal the envelope, (c) fill in and sign the statement printed on the back of the envelope, (d) enclose the ballot envelope and any required assistance form within the envelope directed to the general registrar, and (e) seal that envelope. A voter's failure to provide in the statement on the back of the envelope his full middle name or his middle initial shall not be a material omission, rendering his ballot void, unless the voter failed to provide in the statement on the back of the envelope his full first and last name. A voter's failure to provide the date, or any part of the date, including the year, on which he signed the statement printed on the back of the envelope shall not be considered a material omission and shall not render his ballot void.

B. A mailed absentee ballot shall be returned (i) by mail to the office of the general registrar, (ii) by the voter in person to the general registrar, or (iii) to a drop-off location established pursuant to § 24.2-707.1 . For purposes of this subsection, "mail" includes a delivery by a commercial delivery service but does not include delivery by a personal courier service or other individual except as provided by §§ 24.2-703.2 and 24.2-705 .

C. Failure to follow the procedures set forth in this section shall render the applicant's ballot void.

Code 1950, §§ 24-334, 24-337; 1956, c. 525; 1970, c. 462, § 24.1-232; 1972, c. 620; 1973, c. 30; 1974, c. 428; 1975, c. 515; 1978, c. 778; 1981, c. 425; 1993, c. 641; 1996, c. 393 ; 1997, cc. 429 , 450 ; 2001, cc. 617 , 624 ; 2002, cc. 785 , 819 ; 2003, cc. 478 , 1015 ; 2006, c. 438 ; 2014, cc. 453 , 574 , 575 ; 2015, cc. 313 , 644 , 645 ; 2019, cc. 668 , 669 ; 2020, c. 289 ; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 235 , 471 , 522 ; 2023, c. 785 .
Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-436 — Virginia Code / Title 24.2 / Chapter 4 / Article 6 / Section 24.2-436
Repealed
Status: repealed

Repealed by Acts 2001, cc. 616 and 628 .
Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-202 — Virginia Code / Title 24.2 / Chapter 2 / Article 2 / Section 24.2-202
Repealed
Status: repealed

Repealed by Acts 2024, c. 801 , cl. 2, effective July 1, 2024.
Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-509 — Virginia Code / Title 24.2 / Chapter 5 / Article 3 / Section 24.2-509
Party to determine method of nominating its candidates for office; exceptions
Status: in_force

A. The duly constituted authorities of the state political party shall have the right to determine the method by which a party nomination for a member of the United States Senate or for any statewide office shall be made. The duly constituted authorities of the political party for the district, county, city, or town in which any other office is to be filled shall have the right to determine the method by which a party nomination for that office shall be made. A method of nomination shall not be selected if such method will have the practical effect of excluding participation in the nominating process by qualified voters who are otherwise eligible to participate in the nominating process under that political party's rules but are unable to attend meetings because they are (i) a member of a uniformed service, as defined in § 24.2-452 , on active duty; (ii) temporarily residing outside of the United States; (iii) a student attending a school or institution of higher education; (iv) a person with a disability; or (v) a person who has a communicable disease of public health threat as defined in § 32.1-48.06 or who may have come in contact with a person with such disease. However, such restriction shall not apply when selecting a candidate for a special election or nominating a candidate pursuant to § 24.2-539 , or in the event that no candidate files the required paperwork by the deadline prescribed in § 24.2-522 .

B. Notwithstanding subsection A, the following provisions shall apply to the determination of the method of making party nominations. A party shall nominate its candidate for election for a General Assembly district where there is only one incumbent of that party for the district by the method designated by that incumbent, or absent any designation by him by the method of nomination determined by the party. A party shall nominate its candidates for election for a General Assembly district where there is more than one incumbent of that party for the district by a primary unless all the incumbents consent to a different method of nomination. A party, whose candidate at the immediately preceding election for a particular office other than the General Assembly (i) was nominated by a primary or filed for a primary but was not opposed and (ii) was elected at the general election, shall nominate a candidate for the next election for that office by a primary unless all incumbents of that party for that office consent to a different method.

When, under any of the foregoing provisions, no incumbents offer as candidates for reelection to the same office, the method of nomination shall be determined by the political party.

For the purposes of this subsection, any officeholder who offers for reelection to the same office shall be deemed an incumbent notwithstanding that the district which he represents differs in part from that for which he offers for election.

Code 1950, §§ 24-348, 24-361, 24-363, 24-364; 1970, c. 462, §§ 24.1-171, 24.1-172; 1971, Ex. Sess., c. 119; 1973, c. 30; 1975, c. 515; 1978, c. 778; 1993, c. 641; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 474 .
Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-210 — Virginia Code / Title 24.2 / Chapter 2 / Article 3 / Section 24.2-210
Election and term of Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Attorney General
Status: in_force

The qualified voters of the Commonwealth shall elect the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Attorney General at the general election in November 1997, and every fourth year thereafter for terms of four years, to commence on the Saturday after the second Wednesday in January following their election.

The person having the highest number of votes for each office shall be declared elected. If two or more have the highest and an equal number of votes for an office, one of them shall be chosen for the office by a majority of the total membership of the General Assembly.

Code 1950, §§ 24-148, 24-149; 1962, c. 536; 1970, c. 462, §§ 24.1-80, 24.1-81; 1971, Ex. Sess., cc. 119, 131; 1993, c. 641.
Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-1013 — Virginia Code / Title 24.2 / Chapter 10 / Section 24.2-1013
Repealed
Status: repealed

Repealed by Acts 2006, cc. 787 and 892 , cl. 2.
Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-425 — Virginia Code / Title 24.2 / Chapter 4 / Article 4 / Section 24.2-425
Repealed
Status: repealed

Repealed by Acts 2016, c 857 , cl 2
Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-123 — Virginia Code / Title 24.2 / Chapter 1 / Article 6 / Section 24.2-123
Requirements for registration and voting; prohibition on use of power of attorney
Status: in_force

No action undertaken to fulfill any requirement of this title to register or vote shall be valid or complete when the action is based on the exercise of a power of attorney, or other writing, in which any principal shall have vested any power or authority in an attorney-in-fact or other agent.

1995, cc. 192 , 234 .
Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-445 — Virginia Code / Title 24.2 / Chapter 4 / Article 8 / Section 24.2-445
Registration records controlling in event of conflict
Status: in_force

In the event of a conflict as to whether a person is registered to vote, the registration and voting records in the possession of the general registrar shall be controlling.

1970, c. 462, § 24.1-28; 1993, c. 641.
Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-122 — Virginia Code / Title 24.2 / Chapter 1 / Article 6 / Section 24.2-122
Status of members of electoral boards, registrars, and officers of election
Status: in_force

Members of electoral boards, registrars, and officers of election shall serve the Commonwealth and its localities in administering the election laws. They shall be deemed to be employees of the county or city in which they serve except as otherwise specifically provided by state law.

A county or city may retain officers of election as independent contractors.

Deputy registrars who agree to serve without pay are not state or local employees for any purpose.

Code 1950, §§ 24-30, 24-199; 1970, c. 462, § 24.1-32; 1975, c. 515; 1978, c. 778; 1980, c. 639; 1982, c. 650; 1986, c. 558; 1989, c. 227; 1993, c. 641; 2018, c. 675 ; 2022, c. 140 .
Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-505 — Virginia Code / Title 24.2 / Chapter 5 / Article 2 / Section 24.2-505
Declaration of candidacy required of independent candidates
Status: in_force

A. Any person, other than a candidate for a party nomination or a party nominee, who intends to be a candidate for any office to be elected by the qualified voters of the Commonwealth at large or of a congressional district shall file a declaration of candidacy with the State Board, on a form prescribed by the Board, designating the office for which he is a candidate. The written declaration shall be attested by two witnesses who are qualified voters of the Commonwealth or of the congressional district, or acknowledged before some officer authorized to take acknowledgements to deeds. The declaration shall be signed by the candidate, but if he is incapable of writing his proper signature then some mark adopted by him as his signature shall be acknowledged before some officer authorized to take acknowledgments to deeds.

The State Board shall notify the respective secretaries of the appropriate electoral boards of the qualified candidates who have so filed.

B. Any person, other than a candidate for a party nomination or party nominee, who intends to be a candidate for election to the General Assembly shall file a declaration of candidacy with the general registrar of the county or city where he resides. The declaration shall be in all respects the same as that required to be given to the State Board by statewide and congressional district candidates. The general registrar shall, within three days after receiving the declaration, (i) deliver it in person or transmit it by certified mail, along with the petitions required by § 24.2-506 or copies thereof, to the general registrars of the other counties or cities, if any, in the legislative district for delivery to the secretaries of the electoral boards and (ii) deliver the declaration and such petitions to the secretary of his electoral board. He shall transmit the names of the candidates who have filed with him to the State Board immediately after the filing deadline.

C. Any person, other than a candidate for a party nomination or party nominee, who intends to be a candidate at any election for any other office shall file a declaration of candidacy with the general registrar of the county or city where he resides. The declaration shall be in all respects the same as that required to be given to the State Board by statewide and congressional district candidates. The general registrar shall, within three days after receiving the declaration, deliver it in person or transmit it by certified mail, along with the petitions required by § 24.2-506 or copies thereof, to the secretaries of the electoral boards of the counties or cities whose electors vote for the office. He shall transmit the names of the candidates who have filed with him to the State Board immediately after the filing deadline.

D. If requested in writing by a candidate filing pursuant to subsection B or C, the secretary of the electoral board shall notify him of any irregularity in the declaration or petitions which can be corrected prior to the filing deadline.

Code 1950, §§ 24-130, 24-131, 24-134.1, 24-135; 1958, c. 605; 1960, c. 427; 1962, c. 536; 1964, cc. 540, 541; 1970, c. 462, § 24.1-166; 1971, Ex. Sess., cc. 119, 247; 1972, c. 620; 1973, c. 30; 1974, c. 428; 1975, c. 515; 1976, c. 616; 1978, c. 778; 1981, c. 425; 1983, c. 461; 1984, c. 480; 1991, c. 137; 1993, c. 641; 1996, c. 270 .
Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-115.1 — Virginia Code / Title 24.2 / Chapter 1 / Article 5 / Section 24.2-115.1
Officers of election; hours of service
Status: in_force

The electoral board or general registrar may provide that the officers of election for one or more precincts may be assigned to work all or a portion of the time that the precinct is open on election day or reassigned to another precinct for the remaining portion of election day, as needed. Any officer of election assisting with the closing of the precinct and reporting the results of the votes at the precinct shall be required to report to the precinct at least one hour prior to the closing of the precinct. However, the chief officer and the assistant chief officer, appointed pursuant to § 24.2-115 to represent the two political parties, shall be on duty at all times. The electoral board or general registrar may provide for the administration of the oath of office provided for in § 24.2-120 and the oath required in § 24.2-611 to be kept with the pollbook at times convenient for officers of election assigned to work only a portion of the time that the precinct is open on election day.

1998, cc. 549 , 572 ; 2001, c. 623 ; 2009, cc. 396 , 865 , 870 , 874 ; 2013, cc. 444 , 462 ; 2016, cc. 18 , 492 .
Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-113 — Virginia Code / Title 24.2 / Chapter 1 / Article 4 / Section 24.2-113
Repealed
Status: repealed

Repealed by Acts 2018, c. 464 , cl. 2.
Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-606 — Virginia Code / Title 24.2 / Chapter 6 / Article 1 / Section 24.2-606
Preservation of order at elections
Status: in_force

The officers of election, with the consent of the chief law-enforcement officer for the county or city, may designate a law-enforcement officer who shall attend at the polling place and preserve order inside and outside the polling place.

Code 1950, § 24-189; 1970, c. 462, § 24.1-103; 1993, c. 641; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 6 .
Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-603 — Virginia Code / Title 24.2 / Chapter 6 / Article 1 / Section 24.2-603
Hours polls to be open; closing the polls
Status: in_force

At all elections, the polls shall be open at each polling place at 6:00 a.m. on the day of the election and closed at 7:00 p.m. on the same day except as provided for central absentee voter precincts pursuant to subsection G of § 24.2-712 .

At 6:45 p.m. an officer of election shall announce that the polls will close in fifteen minutes. The officers of election shall list the names of all qualified voters in line before the polling place at 7:00 p.m. and permit those voters and no others to vote after 7:00 p.m.

Code 1950, §§ 24-182, 24-184; 1950, p. 462; 1958, c. 160; 1962, c. 536; 1966, c. 116; 1970, c. 462, §§ 24.1-98, 24.1-99; 1981, c. 425; 1993, c. 641; 2008, c. 423 ; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 471 , 522 .
Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-668 — Virginia Code / Title 24.2 / Chapter 6 / Article 4 / Section 24.2-668
Pollbooks, statements of results, and ballots to be sealed and delivered to clerk or general registrar
Status: in_force

A. After ascertaining the results and before adjourning, the officers shall put the pollbooks, the duplicate statements of results, and any printed inspection and return sheets in the envelopes provided by the State Board. The officers shall seal the envelopes and direct them to the clerk of the circuit court for the county or city. The pollbooks, statements, and sheets thus sealed and directed, the sealed counted ballots envelope or container, and the unused, defaced, spoiled and set aside ballots properly accounted for, packaged and sealed, shall be conveyed by one of the officers to be determined by lot, if they cannot otherwise agree, to the clerk of court by noon on the day following the election.

The clerk shall retain custody of the pollbooks, printed ballots, and other elections materials until the time has expired for initiating a recount, contest, or other proceeding in which the pollbooks, printed ballots, and other elections materials may be needed as evidence and there is no proceeding pending. The clerk shall (i) secure all pollbooks, printed ballots and other election materials in sealed boxes; (ii) place all of the sealed boxes in a vault or room not open to the public or to anyone other than the clerk and his staff; (iii) cause such vault or room to be securely locked except when access is necessary for the clerk and his staff; and (iv) upon the initiation of a recount, certify that these security measures have been taken in whatever form is deemed appropriate by the chief judge.

After that time the clerk shall deliver the pollbooks to the general registrar who shall return the pollbooks or transfer a copy of the electronic data to the State Board as directed by § 24.2-114 for voting credit purposes. After the pollbooks are returned by the State Board, the general registrar shall retain the pollbooks in his principal office for two years from the date of the election. The clerk shall retain the statement of results and any printed inspection and return sheets for two years and may then destroy them.

B. The local electoral board or general registrar may direct that the officers of election, in lieu of conveying the materials to the clerk of the circuit court as provided in subsection A, shall convey the materials to the principal office of the general registrar on the night of the election or the morning following the election as the board directs. The general registrar shall secure and retain the materials in his office and shall convey to the clerk of the court, by noon of the day following the ascertainment of the results of the election by the electoral board, all of the election materials. The general registrar shall retain for public inspection one copy of the statement of results.

C. If an electronic pollbook is used, the data disc or cartridge containing the electronic records of the election, or, alternately, a printed copy of the pollbook records of those who voted, shall be transmitted, sealed and retained as required by this section, and otherwise treated as the pollbook for that election for all purposes subsequent to the election. Nothing in this title shall be construed to require that the equipment or software used to produce the electronic pollbook be sealed or retained along with the pollbook, provided that the records for the election have been transferred or printed according to the instructions of the State Board.

Code 1950, §§ 24-232, 24-267, 24-268, 24-270; 1970, c. 462, §§ 24.1-143, 24.1-144; 1971, Ex. Sess., c. 247; 1972, c. 620; 1973, c. 30; 1975, c. 515; 1978, c. 778; 1981, c. 425; 1992, c. 293; 1993, c. 641; 1995, c. 197 ; 1996, c. 8 ; 1997, cc. 438 , 456 ; 2002, c. 190 ; 2003, c. 1015 ; 2004, cc. 410 , 835 ; 2007, c. 285 ; 2016, cc. 18 , 492 ; 2020, c. 294 .
Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-507 — Virginia Code / Title 24.2 / Chapter 5 / Article 2 / Section 24.2-507
Deadlines for filing declarations and petitions of candidacy
Status: in_force

For any office, declarations of candidacy and the petitions therefor shall be filed according to the following schedule:

1. For a general election in November, by 7:00 p.m. on the third Tuesday in June;

2. For a general election in May, by 7:00 p.m. on the first Tuesday in March;

3. For a special election held at the same time as a November general election, either (i) at least 81 days before the election or (ii) if the special election is being held at the second November election after the vacancy occurred, by 7:00 p.m. on the third Tuesday in June before that November election;

4. For a special election held at the same time as a May general election, by 7:00 p.m. on the first Tuesday in March; or

5. For a special election held at a time other than a general election, (i) at least 60 days before the election or (ii) within five days of any writ of election or order calling a special election to be held less than 60 days after the issuance of the writ or order.

Code 1950, §§ 24-130, 24-131, 24-134.1, 24-135; 1958, c. 605; 1960, c. 427; 1962, c. 536; 1964, cc. 540, 541; 1970, c. 462, § 24.1-166; 1971, Ex. Sess., cc. 119, 247; 1972, c. 620; 1973, c. 30; 1974, c. 428; 1975, c. 515; 1976, c. 616; 1978, c. 778; 1981, c. 425; 1983, c. 461; 1984, c. 480; 1991, c. 137; 1993, c. 641; 2010, cc. 449 , 542 , 645 ; 2011, c. 599 ; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 239 .
Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-426 — Virginia Code / Title 24.2 / Chapter 4 / Article 5 / Section 24.2-426
Repealed
Status: repealed

Repealed by Acts 1997, c. 805 .
Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-538.1 — Virginia Code / Title 24.2 / Chapter 5 / Article 4 / Section 24.2-538.1
Procedure when pre-election withdrawal of candidacy results in unopposed primary
Status: in_force

A. If a person who is a candidate for nomination by a political party at a primary election and who has qualified to have his name printed on the ballot for such election, submits, on or after the forty-fourth day before but prior to the Tuesday immediately preceding the primary election, a signed and notarized notice of his intent to withdraw in accordance with § 24.2-612.2 , and the result of such withdrawal is one remaining candidate who is now unopposed for nomination by the political party, such remaining candidate shall be declared the nominee of such political party for the office sought and the primary election shall be canceled as set forth in subsection B.

B. Upon receipt of a candidate's signed and notarized notice of withdrawal made pursuant to § 24.2-612.2 , the general registrar shall immediately transmit such notice to the local electoral board and the State Board and certify that the remaining candidate, identified by name, is now unopposed for nomination by the political party for the office sought. Within one calendar day of receiving such notice and certification, the State Board shall declare the remaining candidate to be the nominee of such political party for the office sought. As soon as possible thereafter, the local electoral board shall petition the circuit court for the cancellation of the primary election.

C. The State Board shall prescribe the procedures for canceling a primary election pursuant to this section, including instructions for locking and securing voting systems, the disposition of marked and unmarked absentee ballots, and voter notification.

D. The provisions of this section shall not apply to primaries for the nomination of candidates for the office of President of the United States held pursuant to Article 7 (§ 24.2-544 et seq.).

2024, cc. 166 , 230 .
Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-423 — Virginia Code / Title 24.2 / Chapter 4 / Article 4 / Section 24.2-423
Notice of change of name of registered voter
Status: in_force

Whenever a registered voter changes his legal name, either by marriage, divorce, order of court, or otherwise, the voter shall promptly notify the general registrar of the jurisdiction where he is registered. Such notice may be made in writing or on a form approved by the State Board of Elections, which may be electronic. The notice in writing may be provided by mail or by facsimile and shall be signed by the voter unless he is physically unable to sign, in which case his own mark acknowledged by a witness shall be sufficient signature. Notice may be provided by electronic means as authorized by the State Board and signed by the voter in a manner consistent with the provisions of § 24.2-416.7 and the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (§ 59.1-479 et seq.). The general registrar shall enter the new name on the registration records and issue the voter a new voter registration card.

Code 1950, § 24-81; 1970, c. 462, § 24.1-51; 1993, c. 641; 2003, c. 1015 ; 2013, c. 520 .
Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-212 — Virginia Code / Title 24.2 / Chapter 2 / Article 3 / Section 24.2-212
Discharge of duties when office of Lieutenant Governor vacant
Status: in_force

When a vacancy occurs in the office of Lieutenant Governor, the duties of that office shall be discharged by the President pro tempore of the Senate, but he shall not by reason thereof be deprived of his right to act and vote as a member of the Senate.

Code 1950, § 24-152; 1970, c. 462, § 24.1-84; 1973, c. 30; 1993, c. 641.