Staunton spectator and vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1896-1916, 1902-04-11
THE SUFFRAGE PLAN.
An Abstract Of that Clause Of the New
Constitution.

Constitution.
We publish this week an abstra C
OF the new election law as framed b
the constitutional convention:
The qualifications of voter are: /
voter must be male, q years old o.
over. a. resident of the State for at leas
two years, of the county or CITY al
least one year, and of the precinct fo]
thirty days prior to the election ir
which be offers to vote. These are
general qualifications.
Operative after January 1, 1904, is q
poll-tax prerequisite to suffrage After
that date the applicant for suffrage
must have paid his poll tax for the year
or years next preceding, not exceeding
Three. Persons other wise qualified to
vote Who have served in the army or
navy OF Virginia, the Confederacy or
the United States, shall not be exclud-
ed from voting for non payment of this
poll tax.
IN ORDER TO REGISTER
To provide for the electorate prior to
January l, 1904, there is to be general
registration of voters in the year 1902,
and another six months later Anyper-
son who offers to register shall be:
First, one who has served in army or
navy; or, second, the son of a person
80 serving IN army OF navy; or, third,
person who has paid to the State taxes
for year preceding, amounting to not
less IMAM one dollar on property owned
by him; or, 18th, one who can read any
section of the Constitution submitted
TO him. and give a reasonable expIana-
ton OF same; Or, if he cannot read, he
must be able to understand, when read
to him such section, and, if required, |
give reasonable explanation of same
ANY person registered under any of |
the provisions just enumerated shall |
remain permanently enrolled as a yOt |
er, unless disqualified by crime or in
sanity, etc. Any person denied regis |
tratlon under the provisions enumerat- |
ed shall have the right of appeal to the |
Circuit Or Corporation Court.
AS TO FUTURE VOTERS.
After January 1, 1901, any person
otherwise qualified to vote as provided,
and not previously registered, must, as
condition precedent to registration.
have paid all pOll-taXes assessed or as
sessable against him for the three years
next preceding; Or, if newly become of |
age, he must pay to the city or county
treasurer 81 so in lieu of first YEARS
poll-tax, and shall make application in
bis own hand writing, stating age, resi-
dence, parents names, length of resi-
dence in State. date and place of birth,
and place of his former residence for
the two years preceding. This must
be done without aid unless he is physi-
cally disabled. He shall further be re-
qulred to answer, under oath, any per-
G1nent question relating to his quail
tications that the registration officer
may PROFOUND.
Every person registered under these
provisions must, unless blind or physi-
cally disabled, prepare and deposit his
own ballot. Exception: Any person
registered prior to January /, 1904, may
be aided in the preparation of his bal
lot. Such registration as provided
for above shall be had at least once in
every year.
Section summarizes the list of those
excluded from voting such as idiots,
criminals convicted in this or other
States.
Section provides safeguards against
in elections by temporary
residents.
Section provides that all popular
elections shall be by ballot, and for the
method of counting and canvassing
ballots so cast.
Section provides for uniform Sc,
cret ballot. without mark or symbol.
Section 8 protects citizens against
military service or public
occupation that may deprive him of
his opportunity to vote.
section provides for registration of
minors who become of age before cleo
ion.
AS COUNTIES ELECT.
Section 10 provides for the imposi-
ion OF an additional property quail
icatlon on suffrage by counties in cleo
ions for county officers only, and on
he Initiative of the people through
heir representative in the General As
emily. NO county need adopt the
provision unless desired.
Section II provides for appointment
y the Circuit and Corporation Courts
L the electoral boards, which in turn
ppolnt the election officers and fix the
uallf1catlon of such judges, clerks,
nd registrars. Persons holding Of
zee of profit or trust are forbidden to
ct as election officers.
Section II provides the method of
ppeal in registration cases.
Section 10 makes any qualified voter
llglble to office, except as otherwise
rovlded.
Section IA authorizes provision by
W for fair and orderly elections.
Section Is requires voters in legaliz-
! primaries to be qualified to vote at
le next general election.
Section 16 provides for regularity and
urlty OF primary and general cleo
ons, and the prevention or punish
ent OF corrupt practices.
Section II provides for the keeping
ID posting, prior to elections, of certi-
% lists of those who have paid the
'll-tax. These lists are to be made off
each magisterial district and post
In each, and certified copies of such
IT'S furnished to the State Auditor,
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