Fayetteville observer. [volume] (Fayetteville, Tenn.) 1850-1966, 1867-03-07
Thursday Mornlng, March Z, 1867.
The Law about Voting.

The bill TO amend the Fran |
chise act of May Sd, 1866, which
has passed both branches of the
Legislature on its final reading,
would occupy several columns,
which we can fill to better advan-
tage, and therefore content ourself
with the following resume:
Section / enfranchises each male
inhabitant, twenty-one years old,
being a United States citizen, and
a resident of the county for six
months-provided he never aided,
countenanced, or encouraged the
rebellion in any way. This pro-
visO is not to apply to such as
have been honorably discharged
from the United States army since
January l, 1862, nor to those who
voted in the elections of. Novem-
Der, 1864, or February or March,
1865, nor to any appointees of
johnson or Brownlow, prior to
June 5, 1865.
Section III provides that within
sixty days the Governor shall ap-
point for each county a Commits
sioner of Registration, who shall
enter Immediately upon the duty
of registering voters and issuing
certificates.
Section Ill provides that said
Commissioner shall issue certifi-
Gates to Union soldiers on proof
of an honorable discharge = to
those who have voted in previous
elections specified above, On pro-
duction of poll-books or certified
copy, proving that they so voted,
or if poll-book be lost, on the aft
davit of two unconditional Union
men; to appointees of johnson
and BrownIow, on production OF
the commissions or certificate of
the Secretary of State. But eve
~ other person must prove his ell
igibility under preceding sections
by the evidence of two uncondi-
tional Union men, known as such
10 the Commissioner, and must al
so subscribe to the following oath
81 do solemnly swear that |
have extraordinarily borne arms
against the Government of the
United States, for the purpose, or
with the intention of aiding the
late rebellion: nor have | with
any such intention, at any time.
given aid, comfort, or encourage
ment to said rebellion, or to any
act of hostility to the Govern
ment of the United States. / fur
Their swear, that l have never
sought or accepted any Office, Ell
ther civil or military, or attempted
TO exercise the functions of any
Office, either civil or military, IN
der the authority, or pretended au-
thority of the so-called Confede-
rate States Of America, or of any
insurrectionary State, hostile or
opposed to the authority Of the
UuiIed States Government, with
the intent and desire to aid said
rebellion; and that | have never
given a voluntary support to any
such Government or authority
So help me God"
But unconditional Union men,
known as such to the Commission
er, or proven to have been such by
the evidence of two men so known
10 tie Commissioner, will not De
required to take this oath
Section " constitutes the Com
missioner As the judge Of conflict
Ing testimony.
Section V provides that the
JUDGES OF al Circuit and Criminal
Coarts shall give this set specially
In charge TO the jury ii each term
Section VI provides for the ne
cessary books. blanks. etc.
Section VII provides for soldiers
voting while IN military service,
wherever located; bat virtually
leaves It optional with the Cover
nor whether soldiers shall vote
tor coGlty, district O. corporation
oEfcersA =
Secai5a VIII provides that al
certificates heretofore issued shall
be null and VOID, except those
issued under the Law Of May ID.
CO +
Section TX provides that ali
eansildates for any ofEeial position
sail TAKE the oath prescribed N
Section uI-except those who