Virginia Constitution ARTICLE II - Franchise and Officers
Virginia Constitution – Article II: Franchise and Officers
Overview:
Article II of the Virginia Constitution addresses voting rights (the franchise) and the qualifications and election of public officers. It outlines who can vote, how elections are conducted, and rules regarding holding office in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Key Sections of Article II:
Section 1: Qualifications of voters
Every U.S. citizen who is 18 or older, a resident of the Commonwealth and of the precinct in which they vote, and who is registered, may vote.
Disqualifications may apply to individuals convicted of a felony or adjudicated mentally incompetent unless their rights have been restored.
Section 2: Registration of voters
The General Assembly must provide laws for voter registration.
Registration shall be conducted fairly, and adequate opportunities must be provided.
Section 3: Electoral boards; registrars
Each county and city has an electoral board and a general registrar.
The State Board of Elections oversees elections and voter registration across the Commonwealth.
Section 4: Method of voting
Voting must be conducted by ballot or by machines approved by the State Board of Elections.
Voting methods must ensure secrecy and accuracy.
Section 5: Powers and duties of General Assembly
The General Assembly can regulate elections and procedures.
It must ensure laws are uniform, nondiscriminatory, and protect the integrity of elections.
Section 6: Qualifications to hold elective office
Generally, voters qualified to vote can hold elective office.
Certain disqualifications apply, such as criminal convictions, unless rights are restored.
Section 7: Oath or affirmation
All elected officers must swear an oath to support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of Virginia.
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