National opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1865-1874, 1870-09-02
The New Federal Election Laws.

In addition TO its provisions against
frauds In issuing humiliation papers
or making fraudr:ien use OF them when
issued, there Is Jne feature worthy OF at
tention. This is in making IT the duty
of the L. 5. Circuit judges to appoint III
cities of more than 10000 inhabitants,
two residents of each election district,
who are to act as inspectors whenever an
election is held for representatives III
Congress. One of these inspectors Is to
he appointed from each political party,
and 1t is their duty to be present at the
registration OF voters, and at all elections
for members of Congress, and to chal-
lenge any name proposed for reglstra-
ton or any vote offered, and to remain
by the ballot boxes until the votes are
all counted. Penalties are prescribed
for those who shall hinder or modest the
inspectors i'll the performance of their
duty, and the United States Marshals
are erected to preserve order and make
arrests for any offence or breach OF the
peace which may be committed
Below We give synopsis OF the cleo
ton law passed by the last Congress, and
approved May 81, 1870
Section l. Enacts that all l. ;. cltl
zens who are otherwise qualified by law
to vote in any State, territorial, or Other
election, shall be allowed to vote at all
such elections without distinction OF
race, color or previous seryitude.
Section ,. Equal opportunities shall
be granted to all citizens for performing
such prerequisites or qualifications ~
may be necessary to obtain the suffrage
Section B. If citizen fail to IUltll
such require lents by reason o. the wong
ful act or omission of amy Office, IN
shall be held to have complied with In
, law, and shall be entitled to vote tn
= same rs If he performed such act.
Sections A. Prescribe penalties fo
preventing by force, bribery, or lntImid
alton, any citizen from qualifying or yoi
ing ut any such election, or from eNercls
ing the right of suffrage AS guaranteed b
I the Fifteenth Amendment.
/ Sections S-l2. Give the United State
t Circuit and District Courts exclusive Jun
t isdiction in all cases arising under TIN
e act. and direct the District Attorneys an
e Marshals to institute proceedings again,
Il any one violating its provisions. An
= interference with the officers in calTyln
e ont these requirements Will be punlshe
t 10y fine or imprisonment. or both.
e Section H. Authorizes the Presidel
n to use the army and navy, when nece
j sarv, to aid in the execution of ludici
e processes issued under this act
(. Sections l4-l5. The United Stat,
e District Attorneys are directed TO pros
: cute all persons, except members OF Con
5 gress and State Legislatures, who no
e office contrary to the provisions Of Il
II Fifteenth Amendment to the Constit
n ton; and any person who accepts
IS holds any office to which he is ineLgIb
l. under this amendment, shall be deem,
L guilty OF misdemeanor, and punished a
y cordngly
le Sections 1918. All citizens of Il
& United States shall have equal rights
e. every State and Territory.
g Sections 1922 Provide penalties +
le fraudulent registration or voting, and
st the failure Of election officers to prrfol
their duty.
g Section % If any person be defeat
n or deprived of his election to any oiliC
lc except that of Presidential elector or
'd preventative in Con yress, or member OF
y state Legislature. by the denial to ~
Is citizen Of the right to vote on account
N race, color, or pre- nous condition OF $,
RS vitude his right to hold such office SIN
ne not be impaired, and suit may be broug
IL to recover its possession.