dcrodriguez/Code-of-Virginia huggingface dataset:
Code of Virginia — Title 24.2 (Elections), Chapter 10 (Election Offenses Generally; Penalties)
§ 24.2-1005.2. Interference with voting.
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.

Code of Virginia — Title 24.2 (Elections), Chapter 10 (Election Offenses Generally; Penalties)
§ 24.2-1006. Advice or assistance in casting ballot.
Except as provided by § 24.2-649, no person shall directly or indirectly advise or assist any voter as to how he shall cast his ballot after the voter has entered the prohibited area at the polls as designated in § 24.2-604. Any person violating the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

Code 1950, § 24-237; 1970, c. 462, § 24.1-267; 1993, c. 641.

Code of Virginia — Title 24.2 (Elections), Chapter 10 (Election Offenses Generally; Penalties)
§ 24.2-1007. Soliciting or accepting bribe to influence or procure vote.
No person shall solicit or accept directly or indirectly any money or any thing of value to influence his or another's vote in any election. Any person violating the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

This section 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.

Code 1950, §§ 24-405, 24-452; 1952, c. 4; 1970, c. 462, § 24.1-272; 1976, c. 616; 1993, c. 641.

Code of Virginia — Title 24.2 (Elections), Chapter 10 (Election Offenses Generally; Penalties)
§ 24.2-1008. Selling, giving away, or counterfeiting ballots.
Any person who (i) wrongfully sells or gives to any person an official ballot or copy or a facsimile of or device or plate used to reproduce such ballot or (ii) counterfeits or attempts to counterfeit the official ballot or the seal used on that ballot, shall be guilty of a Class 5 felony.

Code 1950, § 24-239; 1970, c. 462, § 24.1-270; 1991, c. 710; 1993, c. 641.
Code of Virginia — Title 24.2 (Elections), Chapter 10 (Election Offenses Generally; Penalties)
§ 24.2-1009. Stealing or tampering with ballot containers, voting or registration equipment, software, records or documents.
Any person who (i) steals or willfully, fraudulently, or wrongfully tampers with any part of any ballot container, voting or registration equipment, records, or documents, which are used in any way within the registration or election process, (ii) steals or willfully, fraudulently, or wrongfully tampers with the software used to prepare and operate voting equipment or the software or hardware used to collect and disseminate election returns, (iii) steals or willfully, fraudulently, or wrongfully tampers with an electronic activation device or electronic data storage medium of the type used to prepare, operate or back-up electronic voting equipment, (iv) willfully, fraudulently, or wrongfully intercepts, alters or disrupts the electronic transmission of election returns or the posting of returns on the Internet, (v) fraudulently makes any entry, deletion, or alteration to any item listed in (i), or (vi) aids, abets, or permits any other person to violate the provisions of clauses (i) through (v), shall be guilty of a Class 5 felony.

Code 1950, §§ 24-318, 24-404; 1952, c. 4; 1970, c. 462, §§ 24.1-273, 24.1-275; 1981, c. 425; 1991, c. 710; 1993, c. 641; 2003, c. 1015; 2004, cc. 993, 1010.

Code of Virginia — Title 24.2 (Elections), Chapter 10 (Election Offenses Generally; Penalties)
§ 24.2-1010. Unauthorized possession or duplication of voting equipment key or electronic activation device.
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.

Code of Virginia — Title 24.2 (Elections), Chapter 10 (Election Offenses Generally; Penalties)
§ 24.2-1011. Ballot not to be carried away.
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.
Code of Virginia — Title 24.2 (Elections), Chapter 10 (Election Offenses Generally; Penalties)
§ 24.2-1012. Offenses as to absent voters.
Any person who knowingly aids or abets or attempts to aid or abet a violation of the absentee voting procedures prescribed in § 24.2-649 and Chapter 7 (§ 24.2-700 et seq.) shall be guilty of a Class 5 felony.

Any person attempting to vote by fraudulently signing the name of a qualified voter shall be guilty of forgery and shall be guilty of a Class 4 felony.

Any public official who knowingly violates any of the provisions of the law concerning absent voters and thereby aids in any way the illegal casting, or attempting to cast a vote, or who connives to nullify any provisions of this chapter in order that fraud may be perpetrated, shall forever be disqualified from holding office in the Commonwealth and shall forever be disqualified from exercising the right of franchise.

Code 1950, § 24-345; 1956, c. 382; 1970, c. 462, § 24.1-274; 1993, c. 641; 2006, c. 242.

Code of Virginia — Title 24.2 (Elections), Chapter 10 (Election Offenses Generally; Penalties)
§ 24.2-1013. Repealed.
Repealed by Acts 2006, cc. 787 and 892, cl. 2.

Code of Virginia — Title 24.2 (Elections), Chapter 10 (Election Offenses Generally; Penalties)
§ 24.2-1014. Repealed.
Repealed by Acts 2002, c. 487.

Code of Virginia — Title 24.2 (Elections), Chapter 10 (Election Offenses Generally; Penalties)
§ 24.2-1014.1. Repealed.
Repealed by Acts 2006, cc. 787 and 892, cl. 2.

Code of Virginia — Title 24.2 (Elections), Chapter 10 (Election Offenses Generally; Penalties)
§ 24.2-1015. Conspiracy against rights of citizens under this title.
If two or more persons conspire to injure, oppress, threaten, intimidate, prevent, or hinder any citizen of this Commonwealth in the free exercise or enjoyment of any right or privilege secured to him by the provisions of this title, or because of his having so exercised such right, they shall be guilty of a Class 5 felony.

1970, c. 462, § 24.1-278; 1991, c. 710; 1993, c. 641.

Code of Virginia — Title 24.2 (Elections), Chapter 10 (Election Offenses Generally; Penalties)
§ 24.2-1016. False statements; penalties.
Any willfully false material statement or entry made by any person in any statement, form, or report required by this title shall constitute the crime of election fraud and be punishable as a Class 5 felony. Any preprinted statement, form, or report shall include a statement of such unlawful conduct and the penalty provided in this section.

Code 1950, § 24-68; 1952, c. 341; 1958, c. 576; 1960, c. 288; 1962, c. 536; 1970, c. 462, §§ 24.1-48, 24.1-279; 1971, Ex. Sess., c. 205; 1972, c. 620; 1974, c. 428; 1975, c. 515; 1977, c. 490; 1978, c. 778; 1980, c. 639; 1989, c. 138; 1992, c. 433; 1993, c. 641.

Code of Virginia — Title 24.2 (Elections), Chapter 10 (Election Offenses Generally; Penalties)
§ 24.2-1017. Penalties when not specifically provided elsewhere.
Any conduct made unlawful by this title, for which no punishment has been otherwise provided, shall be a Class 1 misdemeanor.

Code 1950, § 24-455; 1970, c. 462, § 280; 1993, c. 641.
Code of Virginia — Title 24.2 (Elections), Chapter 10 (Election Offenses Generally; Penalties)
§ 24.2-1018. Immunity of witnesses.
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.

Code of Virginia — Title 24.2 (Elections), Chapter 10 (Election Offenses Generally; Penalties)
§ 24.2-1019. Complaints and allegations concerning election law offenses.
Any complaint or allegation concerning unlawful conduct under this title shall be filed with the attorney for the Commonwealth of the county or city in which the alleged violation occurred. In the case of a complaint or allegation concerning the filing of a false statement in a voter registration application, the violation shall be deemed to have occurred in the county or city where the applicant sought to be registered.

1983, c. 461, § 24.1-282; 1993, c. 641; 1999, c. 374.
Code of Virginia — Title 24.2 (Elections), Chapter 2 (FEDERAL, COMMONWEALTH, AND LOCAL OFFICERS)
§ 24.2-200. When terms to begin.
The terms of all officers chosen at a November general election shall begin on the January 1 succeeding their election unless otherwise provided in this chapter. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the terms of all officers elected at a May general election shall begin on the July 1 succeeding their election. They shall continue to discharge the duties of their respective offices until their successors qualify.

Code 1950, §§ 24-142, 24-169; 1970, c. 462, § 24.1-73; 1993, c. 641.

Code of Virginia — Title 24.2 (Elections), Chapter 2 (FEDERAL, COMMONWEALTH, AND LOCAL OFFICERS)
§ 24.2-201. When term of officer elected to fill vacancy commences and expires.
The term of office of any person chosen at a special election to fill a vacancy in any public office shall commence as soon as he shall qualify and give bond, if bond is required, and shall continue for the unexpired term of such office. Any person so elected shall qualify and give bond, if bond is required, no later than thirty days following the date on which the special election was held.

Code 1950, § 24-144; 1970, c. 462, § 24.1-75; 1982, c. 146; 1993, c. 641.

Code of Virginia — Title 24.2 (Elections), Chapter 2 (FEDERAL, COMMONWEALTH, AND LOCAL OFFICERS)
§ 24.2-202. Repealed.
Repealed by Acts 2024, c. 801, cl. 2, effective July 1, 2024.

Code of Virginia — Title 24.2 (Elections), Chapter 2 (FEDERAL, COMMONWEALTH, AND LOCAL OFFICERS)
§ 24.2-206. Election and term of United States Senators.
The qualified voters of the Commonwealth shall elect its members of the United States Senate at the general election held in November next preceding the expiration of each member's respective term of office, for terms of six years to begin on the January 3 following their election.

Code 1950, § 24-1; 1970, c. 462, § 24.1-2; 1993, c. 641.

Code of Virginia — Title 24.2 (Elections), Chapter 2 (FEDERAL, COMMONWEALTH, AND LOCAL OFFICERS)
§ 24.2-207. Filling vacancies in Senate.
When any vacancy occurs in the representation of the Commonwealth of Virginia in the United States Senate, the Governor shall issue a writ of election to fill the vacancy for the remainder of the unexpired term. The election shall be held on the next succeeding November general election date or, if the vacancy occurs within 120 days prior to that date, on the second succeeding November general election date. The Governor may make a temporary appointment to fill the vacancy until the qualified voters fill the same by election.

Code 1950, § 24-2; 1970, c. 462, § 24.1-3; 1993, c. 641.

Code of Virginia — Title 24.2 (Elections), Chapter 2 (FEDERAL, COMMONWEALTH, AND LOCAL OFFICERS)
§ 24.2-208. Election and term of members of House of Representatives.
The qualified voters of each congressional district shall elect one member of the United States House of Representatives at the general election in November 1994, and every second year thereafter, for the term of two years to begin on the January 3 following his election.

Code 1950, § 24-5; 1970, c. 462, § 24.1-6; 1993, c. 641.
Code of Virginia — Title 24.2 (Elections), Chapter 2 (FEDERAL, COMMONWEALTH, AND LOCAL OFFICERS)
§ 24.2-209. Filling vacancies in House of Representatives.
When any vacancy occurs in the representation of the Commonwealth of Virginia in the House of Representatives, or when a representative-elect dies or resigns, the Governor shall issue a writ of election to fill the vacancy. Upon receipt of written notification by a representative or representative-elect of his resignation as of a stated date, the Governor may immediately issue a writ to call the election. The representative's or representative-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.

Code 1950, § 24-6; 1970, c. 462, § 24.1-7; 1983, c. 461; 1993, c. 641; 2003, c. 1015; 2010, cc. 449, 645.

Code of Virginia — Title 24.2 (Elections), Chapter 2 (FEDERAL, COMMONWEALTH, AND LOCAL OFFICERS)
§ 24.2-210. Election and term of Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Attorney General.
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.
Code of Virginia — Title 24.2 (Elections), Chapter 2 (FEDERAL, COMMONWEALTH, AND LOCAL OFFICERS)
§ 24.2-212. Discharge of duties when office of Lieutenant Governor vacant.
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.

Code of Virginia — Title 24.2 (Elections), Chapter 2 (FEDERAL, COMMONWEALTH, AND LOCAL OFFICERS)
§ 24.2-213. Filling vacancy in office of Attorney General.
If a vacancy occurs in the office of Attorney General during the session of the General Assembly, the General Assembly shall fill the vacancy by a majority vote of the total membership. If a vacancy occurs during a recess of the General Assembly, the Governor shall appoint a successor to serve for the remainder of the unexpired term or until the end of thirty days after the commencement of the next session of the General Assembly, whichever happens first. At that next session, the General Assembly shall fill the vacancy by election by a majority vote of the total membership for the unexpired portion of the term.

Code 1950, § 24-153; 1970, c. 462, § 24.1-85; 1993, c. 641.

Code of Virginia — Title 24.2 (Elections), Chapter 2 (FEDERAL, COMMONWEALTH, AND LOCAL OFFICERS)
§ 24.2-214. Election and term of Senators.
The members of the Senate of Virginia shall be elected at the general election in November 1995, and every four years thereafter for terms of four years, to begin on the second Wednesday in January succeeding their election.

Code 1950, § 24-13; 1970, c. 462, § 24.1-13; 1993, c. 641.

Code of Virginia — Title 24.2 (Elections), Chapter 2 (FEDERAL, COMMONWEALTH, AND LOCAL OFFICERS)
§ 24.2-215. Election and term of members of the House of Delegates.
The members of the House of Delegates shall be elected at the general election in November 1995, and every two years thereafter for terms of two years, to begin on the second Wednesday in January succeeding their election.

Code 1950, § 24-11; 1958, c. 333; 1970, c. 462, § 24.1-11; 1993, c. 641.
Code of Virginia — Title 24.2 (Elections), Chapter 2 (FEDERAL, COMMONWEALTH, AND LOCAL OFFICERS)
§ 24.2-216. Filling vacancies in the General Assembly.
When a vacancy occurs in the membership of the General Assembly during the recess of the General Assembly or when a member-elect to the next General Assembly dies, resigns, or becomes legally incapacitated to hold office prior to its meeting, the Governor shall issue a writ of election to fill the vacancy. If the vacancy occurs during the session of the General Assembly, the Speaker of the House of Delegates or the President pro tempore of the Senate, as the case may be, shall issue the writ unless the respective house by rule or resolution shall provide otherwise. Upon receipt of written notification by a member or member-elect of his resignation as of a stated date, the Governor, Speaker, or President Pro Tempore, as the case may be, may immediately issue the writ to call the election. The writ shall be issued within 30 days of the vacancy or receipt of notification of the vacancy, whichever comes first. If the vacancy occurs or will occur between December 10 and March 1, the writ shall order the special election to be held no more than 30 days from the date of such vacancy. The member's or member-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 writ shall be directed to the secretaries of the electoral boards and the general registrars of the respective counties and cities composing the district for which the election is to be held.

Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, no election to fill a vacancy shall be ordered or held if the general or special election at which it is to be called is scheduled within 75 days of the end of the term of the office to be filled.

Code 1950, § 24-16; 1970, c. 462, § 24.1-16; 1983, c. 461; 1993, c. 641; 2003, c. 1015; 2010, cc. 449, 645; 2016, cc. 18, 492; 2023, c. 306.
Code of Virginia — Title 24.2 (Elections), Chapter 2 (FEDERAL, COMMONWEALTH, AND LOCAL OFFICERS)
§ 24.2-217. Election and terms of constitutional officers.
The qualified voters of each county shall elect a sheriff, an attorney for the Commonwealth, a treasurer, and a commissioner of the revenue at the general election in November 1995, and every four years thereafter unless a county has adopted an optional form of government which provides that the office be abolished or a county's charter so provides. The qualified voters of each city, unless its charter provides otherwise, shall elect a sheriff, an attorney for the Commonwealth, a treasurer, and a commissioner of the revenue at the general election in November 1997, and every four years thereafter. All shall hold office for a term of four years beginning the January 1 next succeeding their election.

The qualified voters of the several counties shall elect a clerk of the circuit court of the county at the general election in November 1999, and every eight years thereafter. The qualified voters of each city having a circuit court shall elect a clerk of the circuit court at the November 1995, general election and every eight years thereafter. They shall hold office for a term of eight years beginning the January 1 next succeeding their election.

If a county and city share any of the offices to which this section applies, the qualified voters of the city shall cast their votes for that office according to the schedule set forth above for counties.

Code 1950, §§ 24-154, 24-155, 24-161, 24-162, 24-167; 1970, c. 462, §§ 24.1-86, 24.1-87; 1971, Ex. Sess., c. 119; 1979, c. 522; 1993, c. 641.

Code of Virginia — Title 24.2 (Elections), Chapter 2 (FEDERAL, COMMONWEALTH, AND LOCAL OFFICERS)
§ 24.2-218. Election and term of county supervisors.
A. The qualified voters of each county election district shall elect one or more supervisors at the general election in November 1995, and every four years thereafter for terms of four years, except as provided in § 24.2-219 or as provided by law for those counties having the optional form of government under the provisions of Article 2 (§ 15.2-702 et seq.) of Chapter 7 of Title 15.2.

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

Code 1950, § 24-157; 1968, c. 639; 1970, c. 462, § 24.1-88; 1971, Ex. Sess., c. 265; 1973, c. 30; 1976, c. 616; 1981, c. 12; 1982, c. 650; 1993, c. 641; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 225.
Code of Virginia — Title 24.2 (Elections), Chapter 2 (FEDERAL, COMMONWEALTH, AND LOCAL OFFICERS)
§ 24.2-220. Reversion to quadrennial elections.
The governing body of any county, by ordinance, may repeal an ordinance previously adopted to provide for the election of the board of supervisors biennially for staggered four-year terms and provide for the election of the board of supervisors quadrennially for four-year terms. The qualified voters of the county, by petition and referendum in accordance with the requirements and procedures set forth in § 24.2-219, may repeal an ordinance of the board or a referendum previously adopted which authorized the election of the board of supervisors biennially for four-year terms. The question in the referendum to rescind shall be:

"Shall the members of the county board of supervisors be elected quadrennially for four-year terms?

[ ] Yes

[ ] No"

If a majority of the voters voting in the referendum voted for quadrennial election of the members of the board of supervisors for four-year terms, or if the governing body has so provided by ordinance, then the successors to those supervisors whose terms expire in 1995 or any fourth year thereafter shall be elected for a four-year term and immediate successors to those supervisors whose terms expire in 1993 or any fourth year thereafter shall be elected for a two-year term and all subsequent successors for a four-year term.

Code 1950, § 24-157; 1968, c. 639; 1970, c. 462, § 24.1-88; 1971, Ex. Sess., c. 265; 1973, c. 30; 1976, c. 616; 1981, c. 12; 1982, c. 650; 1993, c. 641.

Code of Virginia — Title 24.2 (Elections), Chapter 2 (FEDERAL, COMMONWEALTH, AND LOCAL OFFICERS)
§ 24.2-221. Time and frequency of referenda on election and term of supervisors.
A referendum as provided in § 24.2-219 or § 24.2-220 shall be held only in the year preceding the year in which a general election for supervisors is to be held. Once a referendum on either question is held, no further referendum on either question may be held in the county for a period of four years.

Code 1950, § 24-157; 1968, c. 639; 1970, c. 462, § 24.1-88; 1971, Ex. Sess., c. 265; 1973, c. 30; 1976, c. 616; 1981, c. 12; 1982, c. 650; 1993, c. 641.
Code of Virginia — Title 24.2 (Elections), Chapter 2 (FEDERAL, COMMONWEALTH, AND LOCAL OFFICERS)
§ 24.2-222. Election and terms of mayor and council for cities and towns.
A. The qualified voters of each city and town shall elect a mayor, if so provided by charter, and a council for the terms provided by charter. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, general or special, in a city or town that imposes district-based or ward-based residency requirements for members of the city or town council, 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.

B. Except as provided in § 24.2-222.1, and notwithstanding any other provision of law, general or special: (i) any election of mayor or councilmen of a city or town whose charter provides for such elections at two-year or four-year intervals shall take place at the May general election of an even-numbered year and (ii) any election of mayor or councilmen of a city or town whose charter provides for such elections at one-year or three-year intervals shall take place at the general election in May of the years designated by charter. The persons so elected shall enter upon the duties of their offices on July 1 succeeding their election and remain in office until their successors have qualified.

Code 1950, §§ 24-160, 24-168; 1970, c. 462, § 24.1-90; 1971, Ex. Sess., c. 119; 1972, c. 747; 1993, c. 641; 2000, c. 1045; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 225.
Code of Virginia — Title 24.2 (Elections), Chapter 2 (FEDERAL, COMMONWEALTH, AND LOCAL OFFICERS)
§ 24.2-223. Election and term of school board members.
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.

Code of Virginia — Title 24.2 (Elections), Chapter 2 (FEDERAL, COMMONWEALTH, AND LOCAL OFFICERS)
§ 24.2-224. Local elections not otherwise provided for.
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.

Code of Virginia — Title 24.2 (Elections), Chapter 2 (FEDERAL, COMMONWEALTH, AND LOCAL OFFICERS)
§ 24.2-225. Applicability.
This article applies to vacancies in any elected constitutional or local office if there is no other statutory or charter provision for filling a vacancy in the office. Further provisions within this article which specifically override other statutory or charter provisions shall prevail.

Code 1950, § 24-145; 1958, c. 621; 1970, c. 462, § 24.1-76; 1975, c. 515; 1976, c. 616; 1977, c. 490; 1984, c. 480; 1993, c. 641.
Code of Virginia — Title 24.2 (Elections), Chapter 2 (FEDERAL, COMMONWEALTH, AND LOCAL OFFICERS)
§ 24.2-227. Interim appointment by court until vacancy filled by election for certain offices.
When a vacancy occurs in any local elected office other than a constitutional office, local governing body, or an elected school board, a majority of the judges of the judicial circuit for the county or city in which it occurs shall make an interim appointment to the office until the vacancy can be filled by special election. The senior judge shall make the appointment if a majority of the judges cannot agree. The chief or senior deputy, if there is one in the office, shall perform all the duties of the office until the person appointed to fill the vacancy has qualified. The person so appointed shall hold office until the qualified voters fill the vacancy by election and the person so elected has qualified.

Code 1950, § 24-145; 1958, c. 621; 1970, c. 462, § 24.1-76; 1975, c. 515; 1976, c. 616; 1977, c. 490; 1984, c. 480; 1993, c. 641; 1996, c. 873; 2000, cc. 787, 1070.
Code of Virginia — Title 24.2 (Elections), Chapter 2 (FEDERAL, COMMONWEALTH, AND LOCAL OFFICERS)
§ 24.2-228. Interim appointment to local governing body or elected school board; elected mayor.
A. When a vacancy occurs in a local governing body or an elected school board, the remaining members of the body or board, respectively, within 45 days of the office becoming vacant, may appoint a qualified voter of the election district in which the vacancy occurred to fill the vacancy. At least seven days prior to making such interim appointment, the body or board shall hold a public meeting in accordance with § 2.2-3707 at which the body or board shall announce the names of all persons being proposed for the interim appointment and shall make available for inspection each person's resume and any other materials required by the body or board. If a majority of the remaining members of the body or board cannot agree, or do not act, the judges of the circuit court of the county or city may make the appointment.

Notwithstanding any charter provisions to the contrary, the person so appointed shall hold office only until the qualified voters fill the vacancy by special election pursuant to § 24.2-682 and the person so elected has qualified. Any person so appointed shall hold office the same as an elected person and shall exercise all powers of the elected office.

If a majority of the seats on any governing body or elected school board are vacant, the remaining members shall not make interim appointments and the vacancies shall be filled as provided in § 24.2-227.

B. When a vacancy occurs in the office of a mayor who is elected by the voters, the council shall make an interim appointment to fill the vacancy as provided in subsection A.

C. For the purposes of this article and subsection D of § 22.1-57.3, local school boards comprised of elected and appointed members shall be deemed elected school boards.

D. The failure of a member of a local governing body or elected school board or mayor to take the oath of office required by § 49-1 before attending the first meeting of the governing body or school board held after his election shall not be deemed to create a vacancy in his office provided that he takes the oath within 30 days after that first meeting.

1975, c. 515, § 24.1-76.1; 1993, c. 641; 1996, c. 873; 1999, c. 128; 2010, cc. 431, 624; 2011, c. 78; 2024, c. 168.
Code of Virginia — Title 24.2 (Elections), Chapter 2 (FEDERAL, COMMONWEALTH, AND LOCAL OFFICERS)
§ 24.2-229. Appointees to qualify and give bond in thirty days.
All officers appointed to fill vacancies shall qualify and give bond, if bond is required, within thirty days after their appointment in like manner as provided in §§ 15.2-1522 and 15.2-1523 for the qualification of such officers when elected by the people.

Code 1950, § 24-146; 1970, c. 462, § 24.1-77; 1975, c. 515; 1993, c. 641.

Code of Virginia — Title 24.2 (Elections), Chapter 2 (FEDERAL, COMMONWEALTH, AND LOCAL OFFICERS)
§ 24.2-229.1. Legitimacy of votes by appointees.
All votes cast prior to July 1, 2010, by persons duly appointed to fill a vacancy pursuant to this article, including votes appropriating money in excess of $500, imposing taxes, or authorizing the borrowing of moneys, are hereby validated and confirmed as the lawful vote of an elected member of the governing body.

2010, c. 624.

Code of Virginia — Title 24.2 (Elections), Chapter 2 (FEDERAL, COMMONWEALTH, AND LOCAL OFFICERS)
§ 24.2-230. Applicability of article; certain exceptions.
This article shall apply to all elected or appointed Commonwealth, constitutional, and local officers, except officers for whose removal the Constitution of Virginia specifically provides.

However, an appointed officer shall be removed from office only by the person or authority who appointed him unless he is sentenced for a crime as provided for in § 24.2-231 or is determined to be "mentally incompetent" as provided for in § 24.2-232. This exception shall not apply to an officer who is (i) appointed to fill a vacancy in an elective office or (ii) appointed to an office for a term established by law and the appointing person or authority is not given the unqualified power of removal.

This article shall be applicable to members of local electoral boards and general registrars, but shall not be applicable to deputy registrars who may be removed from office by the general registrar pursuant to § 24.2-112 or to officers of election who may be removed from office by the local electoral board pursuant to § 24.2-109.

1975, cc. 515, 595, §§ 24.1-79.1, 24.1-79.2; 1993, c. 641; 1998, c. 582; 2004, cc. 27, 391; 2022, c. 140.

Code of Virginia — Title 24.2 (Elections), Chapter 2 (FEDERAL, COMMONWEALTH, AND LOCAL OFFICERS)
§ 24.2-231. Forfeiture of office by person sentenced for commission of certain crimes.
Any person holding any public office of honor, profit, or trust in this Commonwealth who is convicted of a felony or any offense for which registration is required as defined in § 9.1-902 and for whom all rights of appeal under Virginia law have expired, shall by such final conviction forfeit his office or post and thereafter may not act therein under his previous election or appointment. A pardon which may be afterwards granted him shall not void the forfeiture.

Code 1950, § 2.1-36; 1966, c. 677; 1975, cc. 515, 595, § 24.1-79.3; 1993, c. 641; 2007, c. 175.
Code of Virginia — Title 24.2 (Elections), Chapter 2 (FEDERAL, COMMONWEALTH, AND LOCAL OFFICERS)
§ 24.2-232. Vacancy occurring when officer determined "mentally incompetent" (incapacitated).
A person who is determined to be incapacitated in a judicial proceeding as provided for in Chapter 20 (§ 64.2-2000 et seq.) of Title 64.2 shall be deemed for purposes of Article II, Section 1 of the Constitution of Virginia and this title to be "mentally incompetent" as that term is used in those provisions. The office of any person who is so determined to be incapacitated, shall become vacant and the vacancy filled in the manner provided by law. Notwithstanding the provisions of Chapter 20 (§ 64.2-2000 et seq.) of Title 64.2, however, any officer shall have a jury trial unless it is waived by him or for him by his counsel of record.

1975, cc. 515, 595, § 24.1-79.4; 1993, c. 641; 1997, c. 921; 1998, c. 582.
Code of Virginia — Title 24.2 (Elections), Chapter 2 (FEDERAL, COMMONWEALTH, AND LOCAL OFFICERS)
§ 24.2-233. Removal of elected and certain appointed officers by courts.
Upon petition, a circuit court may remove from office any elected officer or officer who has been appointed to fill an elective office, residing within the jurisdiction of the court:

1. For neglect of a clear, ministerial duty of the office, misuse of the office, or incompetence in the performance of the duties of the office when that neglect of duty, misuse of office, or incompetence in the performance of duties has a material adverse effect upon the conduct of the office;

2. Upon conviction of a misdemeanor pursuant to Article 1 (§ 18.2-247 et seq.) or Article 1.1 (§ 18.2-265.1 et seq.) of Chapter 7 of Title 18.2 and after all rights of appeal have terminated involving the:

a. Manufacture, sale, gift, distribution, or possession with intent to manufacture, sell, give, or distribute a controlled substance;

b. Sale, possession with intent to sell, or placing an advertisement for the purpose of selling drug paraphernalia; or

c. Possession of any controlled substance and such conviction under subdivision a, b, or c has a material adverse effect upon the conduct of such office;

3. Upon conviction, and after all rights of appeal have terminated, of a misdemeanor involving a "hate crime" as that term is defined in § 52-8.5 when the conviction has a material adverse effect upon the conduct of such office; or

4. Upon conviction, and after all rights of appeal have terminated, of sexual battery in violation of § 18.2-67.4, attempted sexual battery in violation of subsection C of § 18.2-67.5, peeping or spying into dwelling or enclosure in violation of § 18.2-130, consensual sexual intercourse with a child 15 years of age or older in violation of § 18.2-371, or indecent exposure of himself or procuring another to expose himself in violation of § 18.2-387, and such conviction has a material adverse effect upon the conduct of such office.

The petition must be signed by a number of registered voters who reside within the jurisdiction of the officer equal to 10 percent of the total number of votes cast at the last election for the office that the officer holds.

Any person removed from office under the provisions of subdivision 2, 3, or 4 may not be subsequently subject to the provisions of this section for the same criminal offense.

1975, cc. 515, 595, § 24.1-79.5; 1989, c. 470; 1993, c. 641; 2002, cc. 588, 623; 2011, cc. 384, 410; 2014, cc. 566, 674, 719; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 550, 551; 2023, cc. 663, 664.
Code of Virginia — Title 24.2 (Elections), Chapter 2 (FEDERAL, COMMONWEALTH, AND LOCAL OFFICERS)
§ 24.2-234. Removal of officer appointed for a term certain.
Any officer appointed to an office for a term established by law may be removed from office, under the provisions of § 24.2-233, upon a petition filed with the circuit court in whose jurisdiction the officer resides signed by the person or a majority of the members of the authority who appointed him, if the appointing person or authority is not given the unqualified power of removal.

1975, cc. 515, 595, § 24.1-79.6; 1993, c. 641; 2004, cc. 27, 391; 2023, cc. 256, 257.

Code of Virginia — Title 24.2 (Elections), Chapter 2 (FEDERAL, COMMONWEALTH, AND LOCAL OFFICERS)
§ 24.2-234.1. Removal of members of local electoral boards and general registrars.
A. Any member of a local electoral board may be removed from office by the circuit court in whose jurisdiction he resides upon a petition signed by a majority of the members of the State Board as provided in § 24.2-103. The circuit court shall proceed with such removal in accordance with the provisions of § 24.2-235.

B. Any general registrar may be removed from office by the circuit court in whose jurisdiction he serves upon a petition signed by a majority of the members of the State Board as provided in § 24.2-103 or a majority of the members of his local electoral board as provided in § 24.2-109. The circuit court shall proceed with such removal in accordance with the provisions of § 24.2-235.

C. Any member of a local electoral board or general registrar against whom a petition for removal has been filed may apply to the Virginia Division of Risk Management to assign counsel to his defense and any subsequent appeal. The Division shall assign counsel in accordance with the provisions of § 24.2-121.

2023, cc. 256, 257.
Code of Virginia — Title 24.2 (Elections), Chapter 2 (FEDERAL, COMMONWEALTH, AND LOCAL OFFICERS)
§ 24.2-236. Suspension from office pending hearing and appeal.
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.

Code of Virginia — Title 24.2 (Elections), Chapter 2 (FEDERAL, COMMONWEALTH, AND LOCAL OFFICERS)
§ 24.2-237. Who to represent Commonwealth; trial by jury; appeal.
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.

Code of Virginia — Title 24.2 (Elections), Chapter 2 (FEDERAL, COMMONWEALTH, AND LOCAL OFFICERS)
§ 24.2-238. Costs.
A. If a judicial proceeding under this article is dismissed in favor of the officer, the court in its discretion may require the state agency or political subdivision that the officer serves to pay court costs or reasonable attorney fees, or both, for the officer.

B. No person who signs a petition for the removal of an official pursuant to § 24.2-233 or who circulates such a petition (i) shall be liable for any costs associated with removal proceedings conducted pursuant to the petition, including attorney fees incurred by any other party or court costs, or (ii) shall have sanctions imposed against him pursuant to § 8.01-271.1.

1975, cc. 515, 595, § 24.1-79.10; 1993, c. 641; 2009, cc. 868, 876; 2023, cc. 663, 664.
Code of Virginia — Title 24.2 (Elections), Chapter 2.1 (Presidential Electors)
§ 24.2-240. Qualifications of electors; oath.
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.
Code of Virginia — Title 24.2 (Elections), Chapter 2.1 (Presidential Electors)
§ 24.2-241. State Board to be furnished names of nominated electors selected by political parties; certain national conventions; vacancies.
A. In elections for President and Vice President of the United States, the appropriate chairman or secretary of each political party as defined in § 24.2-101 shall furnish to the State Board by noon on the seventy-fourth day before the presidential election (i) the names of the individuals nominated to be electors by the party at its convention held for that purpose, with the total number of its nominated electors equaling the whole number of senators and representatives to which the Commonwealth at that time is entitled in the Congress of the United States, together with the names of the political party and of the candidates for President and Vice President for whom the nominated electors are required to vote in the Electoral College, and (ii) a copy of the subscribed and notarized oath required by § 24.2-240.

B. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection A, (i) the state political party chairman of a political party whose national convention has been scheduled to be held after the seventy-fourth day before the presidential election shall file by noon on the seventy-fourth day before the presidential election, with the certification of its nominated electors, a certification of the individuals expected to be nominated for President and Vice President at its national convention; (ii) the State Board shall certify candidates to the local electoral boards, and ballot preparation shall proceed on the basis of the state party chairman's certifications; and (iii) the candidates for President and Vice President nominated by the party at its national convention shall be certified to the State Board no later than 5:00 p.m. on the sixtieth day before the presidential election.

C. In the event of the death, withdrawal, or disqualification of a candidate of a political party for President or Vice President, or of a nominated elector of a political party, that party may substitute the name of a different candidate or nominated elector, as applicable, before the State Board certifies to the county and city electoral boards the form of the official ballots.

2024, c. 801.
Code of Virginia — Title 24.2 (Elections), Chapter 2.1 (Presidential Electors)
§ 24.2-243. Electors for President and Vice President.
The qualified voters of the Commonwealth shall choose the Commonwealth's electors for President and Vice President of the United States at the general election in November 2024 and every fourth year thereafter. Each voter shall vote for a number of electors that equals the whole number of senators and representatives to which the Commonwealth at the time is entitled in the Congress of the United States.

2024, c. 801.

Code of Virginia — Title 24.2 (Elections), Chapter 2.1 (Presidential Electors)
§ 24.2-244. Convening of electors; filling vacancies; how electors required to vote.
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.

Code of Virginia — Title 24.2 (Elections), Chapter 2.1 (Presidential Electors)
§ 24.2-245. Election of electors and meeting when Congress prescribes a different day.
If Congress establishes a different day for choosing electors, or appoints a different day for their meeting to give their votes, then the election shall be held and the meeting of the electors shall take place on those days.

2024, c. 801.

Code of Virginia — Title 24.2 (Elections), Chapter 2.1 (Presidential Electors)
§ 24.2-246. Pay of electors.
Each elector shall receive the sum of $50 per day while actually engaged in the discharge of his official duties and the same mileage as is allowed to members of the General Assembly.

2024, c. 801.