reglab/housing_qa huggingface dataset:
VA Code § 24.2-228 (2021)
2021 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. 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.
VA Code § 24.2-229 (2021)
2021 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.
VA Code § 24.2-229.1 (2021)
2021 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.
VA Code § 24.2-230 (2021)
2021 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 assistant 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.
VA Code § 24.2-231 (2021)
2021 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.
VA Code § 24.2-232 (2021)
2021 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.
VA Code § 24.2-233 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 24.2 - Elections|Chapter 2 - Federal, Commonwealth, and Local Officers|§ 24.2-233. (Effective until January 1, 2024) 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 duty, misuse of office, or incompetence in the performance of duties 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 or marijuana;b. Sale, possession with intent to sell, or placing an advertisement for the purpose of selling drug paraphernalia; orc. Possession of any controlled substance or marijuana 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; or4. 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 ten 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.
VA Code § 24.2-233 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 24.2 - Elections|Chapter 2 - Federal, Commonwealth, and Local Officers|§ 24.2-233. (Effective January 1, 2024) 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 duty, misuse of office, or incompetence in the performance of duties 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 or marijuana;b. Sale, possession with intent to sell, or placing an advertisement for the purpose of selling drug paraphernalia; orc. Possession of any controlled substance or marijuana 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; or4. 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 ten 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.
VA Code § 24.2-234 (2021)
2021 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.The circuit court also shall proceed pursuant to § 24.2-235 for the removal of a member of a local electoral board or general registrar upon a petition signed by a majority of the members of the State Board of Elections as provided in § 24.2-103.1975, cc. 515, 595, § 24.1-79.6; 1993, c. 641; 2004, cc. 27, 391.
VA Code § 24.2-235 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 24.2 - Elections|Chapter 2 - Federal, Commonwealth, and Local Officers|§ 24.2-235. Procedure

A petition for the removal of an officer shall state with reasonable accuracy and detail the grounds or reasons for removal and shall be signed by the person or persons making it under penalties of perjury. The circuit court shall not dismiss the petition solely because of an error or omission in the form of the petition relating to its statement of the grounds or reasons for removal if such error or omission is not material in determining whether the statement of the grounds or reasons for removal provides a reasonable basis under § 24.2-233 to consider the removal of the officer.As soon as the petition is filed with the court, the court shall issue a rule requiring the officer to show cause why he should not be removed from office, the rule alleging in general terms the cause or causes for such removal. The rule shall be returnable in not less than five nor more than ten days and shall be served upon the officer with a copy of the petition. Upon return of the rule duly executed, unless good cause is shown for a continuance or postponement to a later day in the term, the case shall be tried on the day named in the rule and take precedence over all other cases on the docket. If upon trial it is determined that the officer is subject to removal under the provisions of § 24.2-233, he shall be removed from office.1975, cc. 515, 595, § 24.1-79.7; 1993, c. 641; 2009, cc. 868, 876.
VA Code § 24.2-236 (2021)
2021 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, or 24.2-234, the circuit court may enter an order suspending the officer pending the hearing. Any officer convicted of a felony under the laws of any state or the United States shall be automatically suspended upon such conviction, regardless of any appeals, pleadings, delays, or motions. The court may, in its discretion, continue the suspension until the matter is finally disposed of in the Supreme Court or otherwise. 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.
VA Code § 24.2-237 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 24.2 - Elections|Chapter 2 - Federal, Commonwealth, and Local Officers|§ 24.2-237. (Effective until January 1, 2022) Who to represent Commonwealth; trial by jury; appeal

The attorney for the Commonwealth shall represent the Commonwealth in any trial under this article. If the proceeding is against the attorney for the Commonwealth, the court shall appoint an attorney to represent the Commonwealth. Any officer proceeded against shall have the right to demand a trial by jury. The Commonwealth and the defendant shall each have the right to apply to the Supreme Court for a writ of error and supersedeas upon the record made in the trial court and the Supreme Court may hear and determine such cases.1975, cc. 515, 595, § 24.1-79.9; 1993, c. 641.
VA Code § 24.2-237 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 24.2 - Elections|Chapter 2 - Federal, Commonwealth, and Local Officers|§ 24.2-237. (Effective January 1, 2022) Who to represent Commonwealth; trial by jury; appeal

The attorney for the Commonwealth shall represent the Commonwealth in any trial under this article. If the proceeding is against the attorney for the Commonwealth, the court shall appoint an attorney to represent the Commonwealth. Any officer proceeded against shall have the right to demand a trial by jury. The Commonwealth and the defendant shall each have the right to apply to the Supreme Court for a writ of error and supersedeas upon the record made in the trial court and the Supreme Court may hear and determine such cases.1975, cc. 515, 595, § 24.1-79.9; 1993, c. 641.
VA Code § 24.2-238 (2021)
2021 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 respondent, the court in its discretion may require the state agency or political subdivision which the respondent serves to pay court costs or reasonable attorney fees, or both, for the respondent.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.
VA Code § 24.2-304.2 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 24.2 - Elections|Chapter 3 - Election Districts, Precincts, and Polling Places|§ 24.2-304.2. Governing body authorized to expend funds for reapportionment

The governing body of each county, city, or town is authorized to expend funds and employ persons as it may deem necessary to carry out the responsibilities relating to reapportionment provided by law.1995, c. 249.
VA Code § 24.2-304.3 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 24.2 - Elections|Chapter 3 - Election Districts, Precincts, and Polling Places|§ 24.2-304.3. Recording reapportionment ordinance; notice requirements

A copy of the ordinance reapportioning representation in the governing body of a county, city, or town, including a description of the boundaries and a map showing the boundaries of the districts or wards, shall be recorded in the official minutes of the governing body.The clerk of the county, city, or town shall send a certified copy of the ordinance, including a description of the boundaries and a Geographic Information System (GIS) map showing the boundaries of the districts or wards, to the local electoral board, the Secretary of the Commonwealth, the Department of Elections, and the Division of Legislative Services. Any county, city, or town that does not have GIS capabilities may request the Department of Elections to create on its behalf a GIS map showing the boundaries of the districts or wards as set out in the ordinance, and the Department of Elections shall create such a map.1995, c. 249; 2019, cc. 777, 778.
VA Code § 24.2-304.4 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 24.2 - Elections|Chapter 3 - Election Districts, Precincts, and Polling Places|§ 24.2-304.4. Mandamus action for failure to reapportion districts or wards

Whenever the governing body of any county, city or town fails to perform the duty of reapportioning the representation on the governing body among the districts or wards of the county, city, or town, or fails to change the boundaries of districts or wards, as prescribed by law, mandamus shall lie in favor of any citizen of such county, city, or town, to compel the performance of such duty.Whenever the governing body of any county, city or town changes the boundaries, or increases or diminishes the number of districts or wards, or reapportions the representation in the governing body as prescribed by law, the action shall not be subject to judicial review, unless it is alleged that the representation is not proportional to the population of the district or ward. If such allegation is made in a bill of complaint filed in the circuit court for the county, city or town, the court shall determine whether the action of the governing body complies with the constitutional requirements for redistricting and reapportionment. Appeals from the court's decision shall be as in any other suit.1995, c. 249.
VA Code § 24.2-304.5 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 24.2 - Elections|Chapter 3 - Election Districts, Precincts, and Polling Places|§ 24.2-304.5. Notification of certain civil actions

Any county, city, or town made a defendant in any civil action challenging the legality of its election district boundaries shall immediately notify the Attorney General of the pending civil action for review pursuant to § 2.2-508.1995, c. 249.
VA Code § 24.2-304.6 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 24.2 - Elections|Chapter 3 - Election Districts, Precincts, and Polling Places|§ 24.2-304.6. Effect of reapportionment on appointments and terms of local officers, school board and planning commission members

County, city, or town officers, including members of the school board or planning commission, in office on the effective date of a reapportionment or redistricting ordinance, shall complete their terms of office, regardless of loss of residency in a particular district due to reapportionment or redistricting.1995, c. 249.
VA Code § 24.2-305 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 24.2 - Elections|Chapter 3 - Election Districts, Precincts, and Polling Places|§ 24.2-305. Composition of election districts and precincts

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.