{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/24.2-1005.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/24.2-1005.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/24.2-1005.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/24.2-1005.html"}],"law_id":63231,"edition_id":1,"section_id":63231,"structure_id":14796,"section_number":"24.2-1005","catch_line":"Intimidation of voters; civil cause of action","history":"1970, c. 462, \u00a7 24.1-271; 1993, c. 641; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 528, 533.","full_text":"A\n\nAny person who intimidates, threatens, or coerces, or attempts to intimidate, threaten, or coerce, any other person in giving his vote or ballot or who intimidates, threatens, or coerces, or attempts to intimidate, threaten, or coerce a voter to deter or prevent him from voting is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.B\n\nIn addition to the criminal penalty provided in subsection A, such actions shall also create a cause of action. A voter who is intimidated, threatened, or coerced by another person in violation of subsection A 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 such person. The action shall be instituted in the circuit court of the locality where the violation occurred. 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.C\n\nThis 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.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":230514,"text":"Any person who intimidates, threatens, or coerces, or attempts to intimidate, threaten, or coerce, any other person in giving his vote or ballot or who intimidates, threatens, or coerces, or attempts to intimidate, threaten, or coerce a voter to deter or prevent him from voting is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"B"},"1":{"id":230515,"text":"In addition to the criminal penalty provided in subsection A, such actions shall also create a cause of action. A voter who is intimidated, threatened, or coerced by another person in violation of subsection A 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 such person. The action shall be instituted in the circuit court of the locality where the violation occurred. 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":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"C"},"2":{"id":230516,"text":"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.","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":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},"next_section":{"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},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/24.2-1005\/","history_text":"<p>This law was first created in 1970. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapter 462 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. Unfortunately, the 1970 \u201cActs\u201d aren\u2019t available online. It has been modified 1 time. Those modifications are cataloged by \u201cThe Acts of Assembly,\u201d a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly\u2019s website will be linked accordingly. That modification is as follows: in 1993, chapter 641.<\/p>","references":false,"refers_to":false,"permalink":{"id":187385,"object_type":"law","relational_id":63231,"identifier":"24.2-1005","token":"24.2\/10\/24.2-1005","url":"\/24.2-1005\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/24.2-1005\/","token":"24.2\/10\/24.2-1005","dublin_core":{"Title":"Intimidation of voters; civil cause of action","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 24.2-1005","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"A\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">A.<\/span> Any person who intimidates, threatens, or coerces, or attempts to intimidate, threaten, or coerce, any other person in giving his vote or ballot or who intimidates, threatens, or coerces, or attempts to intimidate, threaten, or coerce a voter to deter or prevent him from voting is guilty of a Class 1 <span class=\"dictionary\">misdemeanor<\/span>. <a id=\"paragraph-230514\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/24.2-1005\/#A\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"B\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">B.<\/span> In addition to the criminal <span class=\"dictionary\">penalty<\/span> provided in subsection A, such actions shall also create a <span class=\"dictionary\">cause of action<\/span>. A voter who is intimidated, threatened, or coerced by another person in violation of subsection A shall be entitled to institute an action for preventative relief, including an application for a permanent or temporary <span class=\"dictionary\">injunction<\/span>, restraining <span class=\"dictionary\">order<\/span>, or other <span class=\"dictionary\">order<\/span>, against such person. The action shall be instituted in the <span class=\"dictionary\">circuit<\/span> <span class=\"dictionary\">court<\/span> of the locality where the violation occurred. In any such action, the <span class=\"dictionary\">court<\/span> may, in its discretion, allow a private <span class=\"dictionary\">plaintiff<\/span> a reasonable attorney fee as part of the costs, if such <span class=\"dictionary\">plaintiff<\/span> is the prevailing <span class=\"dictionary\">party<\/span>. <a id=\"paragraph-230515\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/24.2-1005\/#B\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"C\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">C.<\/span> This section applies to any <span class=\"dictionary\">election<\/span> and to any method used by a <span class=\"dictionary\">political party<\/span> for selection of its nominees and for selection of delegates to its conventions and meetings. <a id=\"paragraph-230516\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/24.2-1005\/#C\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":"                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nINTIMIDATION OF VOTERS; CIVIL CAUSE OF ACTION (\u00a7 24.2-1005)\n\nA. Any person who intimidates, threatens, or coerces, or attempts to intimidate,\nthreaten, or coerce, any other person in giving his vote or ballot or who\nintimidates, threatens, or coerces, or attempts to intimidate, threaten, or\ncoerce a voter to deter or prevent him from voting is guilty of a Class 1\nmisdemeanor.\n\nB. In addition to the criminal penalty provided in subsection A, such actions\nshall also create a cause of action. A voter who is intimidated, threatened, or\ncoerced by another person in violation of subsection A 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\nsuch person. The action shall be instituted in the circuit court of the locality\nwhere the violation occurred. In any such action, the court may, in its\ndiscretion, allow a private plaintiff a reasonable attorney fee as part of the\ncosts, if such plaintiff is the prevailing party.\n\nC. This section applies to any election and to any method used by a political\nparty for selection of its nominees and for selection of delegates to its\nconventions and meetings.\n\nHISTORY: 1970, c. 462, \u00a7 24.1-271; 1993, c. 641; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 528,\n533.","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}}