{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/24.2-1005.1.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/24.2-1005.1.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/24.2-1005.1.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/24.2-1005.1.html"}],"law_id":87104,"edition_id":1,"section_id":87104,"structure_id":14796,"section_number":"24.2-1005.1","catch_line":"Communication of false information to registered voter","history":"2007, c. 313; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 528, 533.","full_text":"A\n\nIt shall be unlawful for any person to communicate to a registered voter, by any means, false information, knowing the same to be false, intended to impede the voter in the exercise of his right to vote. The provisions of this section shall apply to information only about the date, time, and place of the election, or the voter’s precinct, polling place, or voter registration status, or the location of a voter satellite office or the office of the general registrar.B\n\nAny person who violates the provisions of this section is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.\n\t\t\tSuch violation may be prosecuted either in the jurisdiction from which the communication was made or in the jurisdiction in which the communication was received.C\n\nIn addition to the criminal penalty provided in subsection B, a violation of the provisions of this section shall also create a cause of action. A registered voter to whom such false information is communicated shall be entitled to institute an action for preventative relief, including an application for a permanent or temporary injunction, restraining order, or other order, against the person communicating such false information. The action shall be instituted in the circuit court of either the jurisdiction from which the communication was made or the jurisdiction in which the communication was received. In any such action, the court may, in its discretion, allow a private plaintiff a reasonable attorney fee as part of the costs, if such plaintiff is the prevailing party.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":311905,"text":"It shall be unlawful for any person to communicate to a registered voter, by any means, false information, knowing the same to be false, intended to impede the voter in the exercise of his right to vote. The provisions of this section shall apply to information only about the date, time, and place of the election, or the voter’s precinct, polling place, or voter registration status, or the location of a voter satellite office or the office of the general registrar.","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"B"},"1":{"id":311906,"text":"Any person who violates the provisions of this section is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.\n\t\t\tSuch violation may be prosecuted either in the jurisdiction from which the communication was made or in the jurisdiction in which the communication was received.","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"C"},"2":{"id":311907,"text":"In addition to the criminal penalty provided in subsection B, a violation of the provisions of this section shall also create a cause of action. A registered voter to whom such false information is communicated shall be entitled to institute an action for preventative relief, including an application for a permanent or temporary injunction, restraining order, or other order, against the person communicating such false information. The action shall be instituted in the circuit court of either the jurisdiction from which the communication was made or the jurisdiction in which the communication was received. In any such action, the court may, in its discretion, allow a private plaintiff a reasonable attorney fee as part of the costs, if such plaintiff is the prevailing party.","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B"}},"ancestry":[{"id":14796,"edition_id":1,"name":"Election Offenses Generally; Penalties","identifier":"10","label":"chapter","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12937,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:49:57","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:49:57","permalink":{"id":187355,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":14796,"identifier":"10","token":"24.2\/10","url":"\/24.2\/10\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12937,"edition_id":1,"name":"Elections","identifier":"24.2","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:03","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:03","permalink":{"id":187149,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12937,"identifier":"24.2","token":"24.2","url":"\/24.2\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":61840,"structure_id":14796,"section_number":"24.2-1000","catch_line":"Intimidation and threats toward election officials; penalty","url":"\/24.2-1000\/","token":"24.2\/10\/24.2-1000","metadata":false},{"id":74639,"structure_id":14796,"section_number":"24.2-1001","catch_line":"Willful neglect or corrupt conduct","url":"\/24.2-1001\/","token":"24.2\/10\/24.2-1001","metadata":false},{"id":65608,"structure_id":14796,"section_number":"24.2-1002","catch_line":"Interference with registration","url":"\/24.2-1002\/","token":"24.2\/10\/24.2-1002","metadata":false},{"id":86103,"structure_id":14796,"section_number":"24.2-1002.01","catch_line":"Destruction of, or failure to mail or deliver, voter registration application; penalty","url":"\/24.2-1002.01\/","token":"24.2\/10\/24.2-1002.01","metadata":false},{"id":61489,"structure_id":14796,"section_number":"24.2-1002.1","catch_line":"Unlawful disclosure or use of social security number or part thereof","url":"\/24.2-1002.1\/","token":"24.2\/10\/24.2-1002.1","metadata":false},{"id":81161,"structure_id":14796,"section_number":"24.2-1003","catch_line":"Campaigning at registration locations","url":"\/24.2-1003\/","token":"24.2\/10\/24.2-1003","metadata":false},{"id":63831,"structure_id":14796,"section_number":"24.2-1004","catch_line":"Illegal voting and registrations","url":"\/24.2-1004\/","token":"24.2\/10\/24.2-1004","metadata":false},{"id":63231,"structure_id":14796,"section_number":"24.2-1005","catch_line":"Intimidation of voters; civil cause of action","url":"\/24.2-1005\/","token":"24.2\/10\/24.2-1005","metadata":false},{"id":87104,"structure_id":14796,"section_number":"24.2-1005.1","catch_line":"Communication of false information to registered voter","url":"\/24.2-1005.1\/","token":"24.2\/10\/24.2-1005.1","metadata":false},{"id":82822,"structure_id":14796,"section_number":"24.2-1005.2","catch_line":"Interference with voting","url":"\/24.2-1005.2\/","token":"24.2\/10\/24.2-1005.2","metadata":false},{"id":64844,"structure_id":14796,"section_number":"24.2-1006","catch_line":"Advice or assistance in casting ballot","url":"\/24.2-1006\/","token":"24.2\/10\/24.2-1006","metadata":false},{"id":71415,"structure_id":14796,"section_number":"24.2-1007","catch_line":"Soliciting or accepting bribe to influence or procure vote","url":"\/24.2-1007\/","token":"24.2\/10\/24.2-1007","metadata":false},{"id":56599,"structure_id":14796,"section_number":"24.2-1008","catch_line":"Selling, giving away, or counterfeiting ballots","url":"\/24.2-1008\/","token":"24.2\/10\/24.2-1008","metadata":false},{"id":86321,"structure_id":14796,"section_number":"24.2-1009","catch_line":"Stealing or tampering with ballot containers, voting or registration equipment, software, records or documents","url":"\/24.2-1009\/","token":"24.2\/10\/24.2-1009","metadata":false},{"id":76431,"structure_id":14796,"section_number":"24.2-1010","catch_line":"Unauthorized possession or duplication of voting equipment key or electronic activation device","url":"\/24.2-1010\/","token":"24.2\/10\/24.2-1010","metadata":false},{"id":72465,"structure_id":14796,"section_number":"24.2-1011","catch_line":"Ballot not to be carried away","url":"\/24.2-1011\/","token":"24.2\/10\/24.2-1011","metadata":false},{"id":72175,"structure_id":14796,"section_number":"24.2-1012","catch_line":"Offenses as to absent voters","url":"\/24.2-1012\/","token":"24.2\/10\/24.2-1012","metadata":false},{"id":76520,"structure_id":14796,"section_number":"24.2-1013","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/24.2-1013\/","token":"24.2\/10\/24.2-1013","metadata":false},{"id":66135,"structure_id":14796,"section_number":"24.2-1014","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/24.2-1014\/","token":"24.2\/10\/24.2-1014","metadata":false},{"id":70273,"structure_id":14796,"section_number":"24.2-1014.1","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/24.2-1014.1\/","token":"24.2\/10\/24.2-1014.1","metadata":false},{"id":73636,"structure_id":14796,"section_number":"24.2-1015","catch_line":"Conspiracy against rights of citizens under this title","url":"\/24.2-1015\/","token":"24.2\/10\/24.2-1015","metadata":false},{"id":86258,"structure_id":14796,"section_number":"24.2-1016","catch_line":"False statements; penalties","url":"\/24.2-1016\/","token":"24.2\/10\/24.2-1016","metadata":false},{"id":68453,"structure_id":14796,"section_number":"24.2-1017","catch_line":"Penalties when not specifically provided elsewhere","url":"\/24.2-1017\/","token":"24.2\/10\/24.2-1017","metadata":false},{"id":61858,"structure_id":14796,"section_number":"24.2-1018","catch_line":"Immunity of witnesses","url":"\/24.2-1018\/","token":"24.2\/10\/24.2-1018","metadata":false},{"id":66711,"structure_id":14796,"section_number":"24.2-1019","catch_line":"Complaints and allegations concerning election law offenses","url":"\/24.2-1019\/","token":"24.2\/10\/24.2-1019","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":63231,"structure_id":14796,"section_number":"24.2-1005","catch_line":"Intimidation of voters; civil cause of action","url":"\/24.2-1005\/","token":"24.2\/10\/24.2-1005","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":82822,"structure_id":14796,"section_number":"24.2-1005.2","catch_line":"Interference with voting","url":"\/24.2-1005.2\/","token":"24.2\/10\/24.2-1005.2","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/24.2-1005.1\/","history_text":"

This law was first created in 2007. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapter 313<\/a> of that year\u2019s edition of \u201cActs of Assembly,\u201d the annual state publication listing all changes made to the Code of Virginia in that year.<\/p>","references":false,"refers_to":false,"permalink":{"id":187389,"object_type":"law","relational_id":87104,"identifier":"24.2-1005.1","token":"24.2\/10\/24.2-1005.1","url":"\/24.2-1005.1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/24.2-1005.1\/","token":"24.2\/10\/24.2-1005.1","dublin_core":{"Title":"Communication of false information to registered voter","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 24.2-1005.1","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> It shall be unlawful for any person to communicate to a registered voter<\/span>, by any means, false information, knowing the same to be false, intended to impede the voter in the exercise of his right to vote. The provisions of this section shall apply to information only about the date, time, and place of the election<\/span>, or the voter’s precinct<\/span>, polling place<\/span>, or voter registration status, or the location of a voter satellite office or the office of the general registrar<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> Any person who violates the provisions of this section is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor<\/span>.\n\t\t\tSuch violation may be prosecuted either in the jurisdiction<\/span> from which the communication was made or in the jurisdiction<\/span> in which the communication was received. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> In addition to the criminal penalty<\/span> provided in subsection B, a violation of the provisions of this section shall also create a cause of action<\/span>. A registered voter<\/span> to whom such false information is communicated shall be entitled to institute an action for preventative relief, including an application for a permanent or temporary injunction<\/span>, restraining order<\/span>, or other order<\/span>, against the person communicating such false information. The action shall be instituted in the circuit<\/span> court<\/span> of either the jurisdiction<\/span> from which the communication was made or the jurisdiction<\/span> in which the communication was received. In any such action, the court<\/span> may, in its discretion, allow a private plaintiff<\/span> a reasonable attorney fee as part of the costs, if such plaintiff<\/span> is the prevailing party<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nCOMMUNICATION OF FALSE INFORMATION TO REGISTERED VOTER (\u00a7 24.2-1005.1)\n\nA. It shall be unlawful for any person to communicate to a registered voter, by\nany means, false information, knowing the same to be false, intended to impede\nthe voter in the exercise of his right to vote. The provisions of this section\nshall apply to information only about the date, time, and place of the election,\nor the voter’s precinct, polling place, or voter registration status, or\nthe location of a voter satellite office or the office of the general registrar.\n\nB. Any person who violates the provisions of this section is guilty of a Class 1\nmisdemeanor.\n\t\t\tSuch violation may be prosecuted either in the jurisdiction from which the\ncommunication was made or in the jurisdiction in which the communication was\nreceived.\n\nC. In addition to the criminal penalty provided in subsection B, a violation of\nthe provisions of this section shall also create a cause of action. A registered\nvoter to whom such false information is communicated shall be entitled to\ninstitute an action for preventative relief, including an application for a\npermanent or temporary injunction, restraining order, or other order, against\nthe person communicating such false information. The action shall be instituted\nin the circuit court of either the jurisdiction from which the communication was\nmade or the jurisdiction in which the communication was received. In any such\naction, the court may, in its discretion, allow a private plaintiff a reasonable\nattorney fee as part of the costs, if such plaintiff is the prevailing party.\n\nHISTORY: 2007, c. 313; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 528, 533.","edition":{"id":1,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","date_created":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","date_modified":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","current":1,"order_by":1,"last_import":null}}